The Real Estate Book of Asheville/Hendersonville & NC Blue Ridge Volume 9, Issue 10

25 Two Oaks Dr, Fletcher, NC 28732

Stunning contemporary home. Located in a quiet neighborhood with easy access to all that South Asheville has to offer. Amazing curb appeal with fresh white paint and a beautiful partially fenced yard with tons of room to garden, play or entertain. The covered back porch is the perfect place to enjoy your morning cup of coffee or unwind at the end of the day. When you step inside, the first thing you notice are the soaring ceilings and a large light filled living room with a rock fireplace. The kitchen features updated granite countertops. The primary bathroom features an updated tile shower. In the lower level, you will discover a large den, wet-bar, bonus room, and another full bathroom. Move in ready with some amazing touches. Roof and Heat Pump replaced in 2021. $689,000 MLS# 3926097

Trex deck, covered patio and waterfall/pond. Truly an artistic masterpiece!

$2,495,000 | MLS# 3931945

Caroline Kalpinski

An unrivaled brand. An elevated experience.

An unrivaled brand. An elevated experience.

Caroline Kalpinski

c 828.575.7905 o 828.277.3238

c 828.575.7905 o 828.277.3238

Caroline.Kalpinski@PremierSIR.com

Caroline.Kalpinski@PremierSIR.com

10 Brook Street, Suite 130 Asheville, North Carolina 28803

10 Brook Street, Suite 130 Asheville, North Carolina 28803

Somersby Park is a beautiful 160-acre private mountain community located adjacent to Jump Off Rock in beautiful Laurel Park. Ready to build your dream home? This is a private residential community and a fabulous place to call home with its beautiful scenery. A short drive to downtown Hendersonville, you will love the location. Additional lots starting at $16,000.

Somersby Park is a beautiful 160-acre private mountain community located adjacent to Jump Off Rock in beautiful Laurel Park. Ready to build your dream home? This is a private residential community and a fabulous place to call home with its beautiful scenery. A short drive to downtown Hendersonville, you will love the location. Additional lots starting at $16,000.

PremierSIR.com

5 TOP MARKETING TIPS FROM TOP AGENTS Selling?

1. GOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

In most instances, buyers see photos of your home before they see your home in person. Take well-lit, HD photos to spark the most interest in your home.

2. DON’T RELY SOLELY ON THE WEB TO SELL YOUR HOME

Lots of people shop on the web for homes, and there are lots of homes on the web. Stats say that 65 million shop for homes in the U.S. every month. However, only 5 million homes are sold in the U.S. every year. It’s a very crowded space, and your home should be on as many sites as possible. Make sure your agent also takes advantage of targeted print when advertising your home. More on this later...

3. MAKE SURE YOUR AGENT INCLUDES MOBILE TECHNOLOGY IN YOUR MARKETING PLAN

Today, we rely on our phones to look up everything, including real estate. Your home should have a marketing plan that includes mobile tools as a significant element. For example, your home should have a yard sign with a text code on it so that potential buyers driving by can look it up on their phone right away.

4. MARKET YOUR HOME OFFLINE—LOCALLY

Good agents know where potential buyers of your home live, work, shop and play. They use local real estate publications, targeted direct mail, brochures, and other tools to ensure your home gets in front of local home buyers.

5. KEEP YOUR HOME LOOKING GOOD

Part of the marketing plan for your home is in your court. This includes how potential buyers perceive it when they walk through the door. Living in a home and keeping it ready to show is a challenge, but it will pay off when buyers find your home more attractive than others they may be considering.

Put simply, don’t wait around for homebuyers to find you. Get out there and find them through advertising—both online and offline.

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

LAUREL PARK

NORTH CAROLINA

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

LAUREL PARK

NORTH CAROLINA

ORIGINAL LAUREL PARK PROPERTY! PRICEREDUCED

Laurel Park Estate has 12.72 acres with Historic home on National Registry! Original home has a spectacular stone FP, wood floors and fabulous southern sleeping porch! Main BR addition, with walk-in closet and contemporary BA, updated kitchen, and BA. Some updated windows and some of the original “wavy” glass! Several original buildings on the easily accessible property with several building sites.

MLS# 3905020 $949,000

68 ACRES!

Little Hungry Creek frontage and beautiful woods lead to your side of the mountain! Lots of building sites or build a home and create your own trails along the streams down to the river! Let me show you!

MLS# 3907853 $590,000

1.64 acres in Shadow Brook subdivision! Beautiful building lot with lots of rhododendrons, large trees, and a stream! MLS# 3923827 $64,900

Without a terribly steep drive to get to it! Great neighborhood to get to know your neighbors and just a short drive to Etowah shopping and dining, or a few minutes more to Hendersonville!

MLS# 3755720 $62,500

Nice features and good layout waiting for your updating. Spacious rooms, and lots of sunlight make this a home to be loved. Beautiful setting, and great laying land!! Large tract could be divided, sewer along Ledbetter Rd. and city water.

MLS# 3934617

FLAT ROCK - OVER AN ACRE!

GORGEOUS LONG RANGE AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS! WELL BUILT HOME IN A FANTASTIC LOCATION

Debbi Merker 828-606-7601 • Katherine Fox 828-817-0755 • Bruce Benton 828-692-2332 • Oscar Ody 828-331-1131 • Amy Genao 386-490-3268

UNDERCONTRACT!

89 Olde Covington Way Arden, NC 28704

$349,900 MLS# 3934539

Well maintained one level home is just waiting for your personal touch! Conveniently located in a quiet neighborhood close to shopping and dining in South Asheville, this home features an open floor plan, large windows letting in natural light, and a large kitchen island.

REDUCED! BUILDHERE!

61 Ashley Woods Arden, NC 28704

$820,000 MLS# 3906793

This Beautiful 5 Bedroom home is situated on a corner lot and offers spacious living, inside and out. It features a two story great room with a cozy fireplace and private deck. The fireplace showcases a Brazilian wood mantle and a locally sourced hearthstone. There are granite countertops and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, and in the Primary Bedroom, a beautiful tray ceiling and oversized bathroom with jacuzzi tub. The 2.5 car garage & wide driveway offer ample parking. The finished basement could be used as a second living quarters - it has a large rec room, a bedroom with full size bathroom, flex space, and double doors open to the patio/firepit area outside. It also features a separate entrance & a single car garage. This home has an abundance of storage and closet space, and is conveniently located close to the Asheville Outlets and Biltmore Park. Sellers are motivated and will consider allowances for updates!

00 Kalmia Terrace Court Unit 36 Hendersonville, NC 28739

$70,000 MLS# 3867684

Build your dream home in desirable Mountain Valley Subdivision! Well-established neighborhood with breathtaking mountain views and a wide variety of indigenous plants throughout. Mid-range mountain views (Mt. Pisgah) possible depending on home design. Lot is also accessible from Danielle Drive. Underground power lines (power box on property), natural gas and community sewer available. Located conveniently in Henderson County: 3 minutes to Etowah and Ingles Grocery; 12 minute drive time to downtown Hendersonville or to Mills River Park; 20 minute drive time to Asheville Airport, Sierra Nevada, Target and surrounding stores; or 20 minutes to the heart of downtown Brevard. Check out neighborhood website: https://mountainvalleyneighborhood.com Carla Duncan - (828) 553-8316

"Audrey and her team were a dream to work with! She has a wealth of knowledge and was always right on target with what needed to be done and how to do it best! Her communication was clear and precise, and she was always quick to respond when we reached out to her! She is so kind and has her clients' best interest at heart! We are so thankful to have had the genuine pleasure of working with her! She works hard and gets excellent results!"

(Holly B.)

PERSONAL FINANCE RESOLUTIONS FOR HOMEBUYERS

By Ilyce R. Glink & Samuel J. Tamkin

By Ilyce R. Glink and Samuel J. Tamkin

If you need a little help getting your own financial train back on

Only you can design goals and rewards that meet your financial, emotional and psychological needs. But researchers say our intuitive need for achievement and self-esteem could be the reason setting specific, challenging financial goals helps us get over the finish line.

PAY DOWN YOUR DEBT.

The basic plan typically plumbing and heating with many appliances. items from the list sure that you buy However, most home add coverage for Some warranties of a specific period and you pay for days later, you won't same problem.

With interest rates rising, carrying debt just got a lot more expensive. So, do yourself a favor and pay off your debt as quickly as possible.

Start with either the highest interest debt first or the smallest debt (which you can pay off quickly and then apply that amount toward the next smallest debt). Every dollar you prepay will effectively earn you that amount of interest, so consider each debt paid off a big win.

BUILD UP YOUR CREDIT HISTORY AND RAISE YOUR CREDIT SCORE.

Credit is the driver behind life's financial milestones. If you have good credit, you'll pay less to get what

So, pull a copy of your credit report from each of the three credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, Experian and Transunion. Look for errors and the reason why your score isn't higher. If you sign up on each bureau's website, you'll have access to tools and information that will help you better understand your credit and what you can do to improve it.

For example, if may include additional freezers, pools and appliances and home specific costs for plan. You may also platinum, gold or Be sure to read the specifically under Keep in mind year and you'll pay plan. But the home working order on agreed to). They broken) at closing. machine is on its buy a home warranty machine the week Interestingly, for plans now cover locks. With this rekey home will have new warranty from day

Before you whip reviews about these them online, check long they have been that do business minimum, their should be current. pay close attention a pattern indicating

LEARN SOMETHING NEW ABOUT MONEY THIS YEAR.

If you're looking your favorite internet warranty companies." comparisons of various ©2021 Ilyce R.

PsycNet shows that if you set specific and challenging goals, you'll achieve higher performance than if you set easy goals, "do your best" goals, or no goals at all. If you apply Goal Setting Theory to your finances, you'll save more money if you target a specific number that feels just out of reach.

The trick is to set challenging goals, but design a system of rewards that makes you feel great when you've achieved them. For example, if you save $2,500, you can spend a portion of that to attend your best friend's destination wedding.

Last year, we challenged you to learn something new about money, and suggested NFTs and cryptocurrency. This year may well be remembered as the year crypto cratered, with four trading platforms declaring bankruptcy, including the iconic FTX, and Bitcoin trading at a more than 50% discount from its high.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't learn something new this year. How about starting with the Secure 2.0 Act? It was included in the year-end spending bill, making it easier for many Americans to achieve our first financial resolution: saving more money.

We hope your closing goes well!

©2023 Ilyce R. Glink And Samuel J. Tamkin. Distributed By Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Glink and

Breathtaking ViewsFrom this 3 BR, 3 BA home with attached guest house. $1,695,000. MLS 3835323

Serving Western North Carolina

For 45 Years

Lake Toxaway Estates -

Remodeled 4 BR, 3 BA home with mountain views. $1,250,000. MLS 3915097

Straus Park - Immaculate 4 BR, 4½ BA custom home overlooking Lake Straus. $2,695,000. MLS 3886207

Toxaway Views - Gorgeous views, large chef’s kitchen, and extensive renovations. $254,500. MLS 3920371

Location! Location!Lovely 3 BR home convenient to Mills River and Brevard. $525,000. MLS 3925431

Convenient to TownWith mountain views and front and back porches. $472,000. MLS 3908555

Illahee Hills - On 2.98± acres, this 4 BR, 2½ BA home offers a second kitchen. $459,000. MLS 3916858

Hendersonville - This 3 BR home in Duncraggen offers many extra features. $350,000. MLS 3937098

Lake Toxaway Area - Two levels of living with a kitchen on both levels. 2.5+ acres. $325,000. MLS 3901630

College Walk - This 3 BR townhome is located in a 55+ community and is move-in ready. $405,000. MLS 3937686

Great Location - Lovely 3 BR bungalow minutes from downtown Brevard. $269,000. MLS 3856150

Shepard Square - 3 BR condo with a spacious living room, private back deck, and more. $249,000. MLS 3893930

10 Park Place West | Brevard, NC 28712 | (828) 883-9895

HOW TO

GO FROM RENTER TO HOMEOWNER

You’ve been saving for a while, and you’re finally ready to move out of your apartment and take the leap to home ownership. Becoming a first-time homeowner is both an exciting and a stressful process, but the payoff is well worth it once all the papers are signed and the keys are in your hands. Be sure to read on for some useful tips for preparing for home ownership and what to expect once you move in.

Chances are, you’ve been renting from a landlord who was on the hook for minor repairs and major upgrades, not to mention yardwork and a lot of other upkeep. Now, all those tasks fall on you.

Set Some Money Aside

A good rule of thumb is to set aside one percent of your home’s purchase price per year for maintenance. So, if for example, your home cost $300,000, you should put aside $3,000, or about $250 a month, for home repairs. If you’re buying a new construction home, you shouldn’t have major repairs right away and you’ll likely have a new home warranty covering any maintenance costs. By saving this money now, particularly if you’re moving into an existing home, you won’t have any surprises if a hot water heater breaks or if you need a new roof down the line.

Inspect Before You Buy

A proper inspection of your new home will alert you to problems that already exist. There shouldn’t be any issues in a new construction home, and, if anything, only minimal issues in an existing home, but an inspection can ensure that everything is installed properly or that you can negotiate with the seller for any minor repairs to be incorporated into the purchase price.

Stay on Top of Maintenance

This doesn’t just mean keeping up with yard work and cleaning, even though they’re important. You’ll want to do an annual survey of your major appliances and know what they look like when working properly. Keep your eye on the roof or visible pipes as well –

catching a problem early is key to preventing expensive repairs. Keep the name of trusted plumbers, HVAC repairmen, and electricians just in case.

Get a Hold of Your Finances

Finally, another major difference between renting and owning is the status of your finances. The first year you own a home, your taxes will become much more complex – so this might be the year you turn to a tax professional (if you don’t already do so). Second, start to budget. Chances are, you’re going to need to fill up your additional square footage with new furniture or electronics. Other things like lawn mowers, grills, and other seasonal products will be needed too, so make sure to comparison shop at the right time for a great deal.

THE PROS AND CONS OF BOLD COLORS

the home three years before, and Dr. Larsen and his wife trusted me. Little did they know, I had no clue how to build the three simple walls needed for the small new bathroom.

By Tim Carter

DIo you want to build a new wall inside your home? Perhaps you're trying to create a new small space for a home office or hobby room, or maybe you have a bigger appetite and are transforming a dank basement into a finished living space. But you have no idea where to start. I've been there. I've experienced your anxiety.

've had the distinct pleasure of attending numerous editors' conferences over the years sponsored by different manufacturers. I've toured plants that heat-treat hand tools and factories that make everything from saw blades to small engines, to name a few. Each experience is like Christmas morning to me because I got to see new tools and products of my trade.

One of the most fascinating tours was of a paint factory on the West Coast. We got to see the early stages of making a batch of interior paint. I believe the size of the vat was at least 5,000 gallons, but it could have been as much as 10,000 gallons. You need a massive metal stirring paddle to blend all the ingredients. Forget about using a wood stick!

Every now and then it's interesting to go back in time. I clearly remember having to build my firstpartition wall insidea house. I was a soaking wet-behind-theears carpenter working for a small remodeling company. One of my college professors, Dr. Larsen, had asked me to install a half bathroom in his home. I had no idea what to do, so I told him that my boss could do the job.

The most interesting part of the tour for me was the session spent with the on-staff color expert. She explained all the nuances of color, how the slightest shades of color can affect how you feel – indeed, how certain colors can deeply affect your mood.

Once the simple plans were drawn and the contract signed, I was sentto my professor's houseto start the job. I had painted the outside of

If you have toured any open houses recently, you have almost certainly noticed the mania for gray paint. It's rare to find a house that doesn't have at leas one interior room done up in a shade of gray. Visit an art museum and you might not even notice that the walls are often painted gray. It's an interesting color that actually is the absence of color. It makes sense in an art museum: The walls are the background and shouldn't compete with the paintings and photographs.

Gray is most often created mixing pure white paint with some amount of black pigment. When most people think about color, they tend to think about every other color in the rainbow other than white or black. Gray provides a very interesting background for all other colors you might put in the rooms of your home just as it does in a museum.

That being said, you may be like my

I survived with the help of a few phone calls to my boss. It was a humbling experience as I discovered you don't know what

You can't always do this in an existing home, especially if the ceilings in the room are finished with drywall or plaster. As you tilt the wall up, it binds against the ceiling. If you're challenged by a finished ceiling, you'll most likely have to install your top and bottom plates, making sure the plates are

son. He bought a new home that came on the market last spring. The builder had already painted all the rooms a medium gray for the aforementioned reason. Yet when I toured the house with my son, he said: "Dad, what the heck? I don't want to wake up each day thinking I'm a sailor on a battleship. It's just way too much gray! How hard would it be to paint the rooms over?"

you don't know. Keep in mind this was decades before the Internet and YouTube. You have no idea what an advantage you now have when you have to educate yourself about how to repair and build things around your home. Count your blessings!

I recommend that if you're on the fence as to what colors to use in your home, simply buy a quart and paint one wall.

Building a new interior wall in an existing housecan bemuch different from doing it on a new home job site. When we carpenters build a wall for a new home, we typically build itflaton thefloor. Onceall the studs are nailed to the bottom and top plates, we tilt the wall up and secure it so it doesn't fall over.

I answered him that we could easily repaint half the rooms in the twobedroom house in just three days. I told him it depended on the colors he'd choose, as some lighter colors such as yellow might require two coats.

He decided he wanted to do an experiment and go with some very bold colors. I thought he was making a mistake. His mother and I both warned him that a color on a small strip of paper from the paint store may look much darker once that color is on the wall. This happens because there's just so much color hitting your eyes than when you're looking at a sample that's 2 inches wide and maybe 3/4-inch tall.

"Dad, paint isn't that expensive," he said, "and since you're helping and it doesn't take long I can always repaint the room."

Oh, how convenient that your dad can help you for the price of a free lunch! If you have children, I'm sure you've been conscripted to help with projects. To be honest, I loved working on his house.

The first room we painted was his living room. He chose a deep blue color. When I opened the can, I gasped as quietly as I could, thinking it was a huge mistake. The gray wall color happened to be a superb base, and the blue covered it in one coat with ease. It was a bright, sunny spring day, and, much to my surprise, after the first wall was finished it looked amazing. I had thought it would make the room appear too small, but I didn't get that feeling. The other benefit to blue is that it's a calming color.

plumb in the same plane. You'll then cut each wall stud to fit snugly between the plates and toenail them in place. Drill angled pilot holes in the ends of the wall studs for the nails. Use no less than 3-inch-long 16d sinker nails to connect the wall studs to the plates.

If there is no ceiling, you can tilt the wall up so long as you orient the wall in the same direction as thefloor joists above. You simply make sure the top of the wall rises up in between two parallel floor joists. Once the wall is vertical, you can then slide it into position under

The kitchen was painted a stunning yellow much like a sunflower, the dining room was transformed using a deep spicy reddish brown, and his rear sunroom was coated with a stunning medium green.

After we were finished, I had to his admit that the bold colors in t open-concept house not only looked spectacular, but they also didn't clash. Once he started to hang paintings and fabrics on the wall, the colors looked even better.

I recommend that if you're on the fence as to what colors to use in your home, simply buy a quart and paint one wall. Understand that the color may look somewhat different at night than it does in the day. Experiment with flat paint vs. semi-gloss. You may find that makes a difference. No matter what, i f you don't like the color, you can repaint a typical room in just hours.

Be brave! Try a bold color or two and you'll avoid that feeling that you're swabbing decks on a battleship when you mop your kitchen floor! ©2023 Tim Carter. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

your it at rough measurements Measure of the where attached the door. measurement. of your much frame the door. betrimming when you want between the top You height just the factory Trustme, install drywall gap between and the ©2021 Content

Building a new interiorwall in an existing house can be much different from doing it on a new home job site. When we carpenters build a wall for a new home, we typically build it flat on the floor.

24 Townhomes in Cummings Cove w/14 completed and sold out with 10 more currently under construction. 2 BR/2BA homes feature a large great room, and covered deck w/golf course & mountain views. Interiors have a variety of cabinet & granite counter-top options, oak hardwood flooring & carpeted bedrooms. Priced from the 600's

PREPARE YOUR HOUSE NOW TO SELL IN SPRING

Spring is a popular time for selling homes, as buyers are eager to move in before the start of the summer. To make your home stand out in the market, here are some tips to get it ready for sale:

y Curb appeal: First impressions are crucial, so focus on improving the exterior of your home. Clean up the yard, plant flowers, and fix any broken or damaged items.

y Clean and declutter: Clean your home thoroughly, including windows, carpets, and upholstery. Declutter by removing personal items, knick-knacks, and excess furniture to make your home look spacious and open.

y Paint: Fresh paint can give your home a new look and make it feel more inviting. Choose neutral colors that will appeal to a wide range of buyers.

y Lighting: Make sure your home is welllit, both inside and outside. Replace any burned-out light bulbs and consider adding extra lighting in dark areas.

y Repairs: Make any necessary repairs, such as fixing leaky faucets, repairing holes in walls, and fixing squeaky doors.

y Staging: Consider staging your home to help potential buyers visualize how the space could be used. This can be as simple as rearranging furniture or as elaborate as hiring a professional staging company.

y Price: Set a competitive price for your home based on recent sales of similar properties in the area.

By following these tips, you can get your house ready to sell in the spring and attract potential buyers. Good luck with your sale!

COMING SOON!

480 Crab Creek Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739

The possibilities are endless with this custom-built farmhouse on over 15 rolling acres nestled in the highly desirable Crab Creek valley. A perfect home for entertaining, enjoy cooking in the large chef’s kitchen complete with Thermador appliances including two dishwashers. Outdoor living enthusiasts will love this home that boasts an expansive composite deck, two firepits, walking trails, and a lap pool and spa. Relax on the beautiful, covered porch while enjoying the views of Pinnacle Mountain. Fish in the large, stocked pond fed by both a natural spring and creek. The spacious three-car garage includes a workshop and full bathroom. The separate guest house is perfect for giving guests their privacy or as a potential rental for added income.

MLS# 3918226 | $1,900,000

Lot 20 Daylily Drive in Hendersonville, NC 28739

Build your dream home on this beautiful, private lot in Rebecca’s Pond. Situated in a cul-de-sac, this lot offers an easy build site. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the community while still being less than a 5 mile drive to downtown Hendersonville. This premier neighborhood offers amenities that include a stocked pond, community picnic pavilion, and a rock fire pit perfect for those cool nights! Conveniently located near Carl Sandburg Home, Flat Rock Playhouse, and Dupont State Forest! Agent related to seller.

MLS# 3842778 | $115,000

0 Solomon Circle #15R in Hendersonville, NC 28739

Welcome to the beautiful Pathways of Solomon Jones! This upscale community is the quintessential mountain living that you have been searching for! Pathways boasts gorgeous views and is nestled in the mountains while conveniently located only 5 miles to downtown Hendersonville. This gentle sloping lot is ready for you to build your dream home, 2 acres offering privacy and a winter ridge view. City water and underground utilities. 4 bedroom septic design on file. Property has recently been surveyed including topography.

MLS# 3850347 | $110,000

20 Ivywood Lane in Laurel Park, NC 28739

This beautiful corner lot is waiting for you to build your mountain retreat! Situated on the corner of a quiet cul de sac, this lot offers gentle slope and privacy. The premier community of Somersby Park boasts mountain views, hiking trails, fishing pond, picnic areas, and a community park. City water, community sewer, and natural gas available. Only minutes to Historic Downtown Hendersonville!

MLS# 3708252 | $45,000

108 Wolf Shoals Drive in Hendersonville, NC 28739

A classic modern mountain home ideally situated offers over 2.5 acres of wooded mountain top privacy. You will never tire of the breathtaking, year-round views and stunning sunsets from the dramatic covered deck. Relax in the hot tub or stroll down to the custom fire pit to enjoy gorgeous mountain evenings. You’ll find the fabulous chef’s kitchen has everything you need to entertain with ease and a pristine main level primary suite with mountain views. The terrace level provides a second living quarters complete with an entertainment kitchen and washer dryer hookup. Feel spoiled living just minutes from popular Downtown Hendersonville, DuPont State Forest, Flat Rock, and Ride Kanuga.

MLS# 3939339 | $1,350,000

GUTTER-CLEANING MISTAKES THAT COULD LEAD TO DISASTER

Cleaning gutters is an essential home maintenance task that helps ward off damage to your foundation, leaks and other serious issues. Although clearing debris from your gutters seems straightforward, this chore can be dangerous if it’s not done properly, especially since you’ll likely be working on top of a ladder. It’s even riskier if your home has a tall roof or if you’ve never done the job before.

To avoid costly errors and unsafe situations, there are several guttercleaning mistakes homeowners should take care to avoid. By following a few safety precautions and sticking to a regular cleaning schedule, keeping your gutters clean and free of debris is simple. Familiarize yourself with these common gutter-cleaning mistakes to ensure this maintenance task goes smoothly season after season.

1. You don’t clean your gutters often enough.

One of the most common gutter maintenance mistakes homeowners make is simply not cleaning them as frequently as they should, according to Chris Counahan, president of LeafFilter Gutter Protection. At least twice a year is the typical recommendation, but depending

on your landscape, more frequent cleanings could be necessary.

“For example, if your house is surrounded by trees, you’ll need to tend to your gutters more than twice a year since your gutters are exposed to more debris and leaves,” he says. Pay attention to the condition of your gutters throughout the year, and if needed, mark semiannual gutter cleanings in your calendar so you can ensure this chore gets done.

2. You clean your gutters at the wrong time.

Timing is also important to ensure your drainage system works properly when needed. “Unpredictable weather and storms can increase damage to your home if your gutters are clogged or inadequate,” Counahan says. Plan to clean gutters ahead of periods when severe weather is common in your area. For many places, that means cleaning gutters every spring and fall in preparation for summer storms and harsh winter weather.

3. You don’t wear proper protective gear.

Cleaning gutters is a messy business, and you don’t want to reach into a clump of dirty, rotting leaves bare-

handed. Wear heavy-duty work gloves to keep your hands clean and protect yourself from any sharp objects that could be hidden in the debris. Additionally, rubber-soled shoes with good traction can help ward off slips on the ladder. And don’t forget protective eyewear. “You never know what can fly out of the downspout when cleaning gutters,” Counahan says.

4. You’re not following ladder safety precautions.

A fall from a ladder can result in serious injury or even death, so proper safety measures are crucial when cleaning your gutters. Inspect the ladder carefully before use, and ensure the base has secure, even footing before climbing the ladder. If possible, have a family member or friend hold the bottom of the ladder for stability. If you don’t have a helper, Counahan suggests letting another person know that you will be using a ladder in case an accident occurs.

While you’re up on the ladder, aim to keep your hips between the side rails to maintain your balance and avoid overreaching. “Always move the ladder to a new spot, instead of reaching farther down your gutters, to avoid potential falls,” Counahan says.

(Outside NC)

UNDERCONTRACT!

Homesites starting at $175,000 with views and $70,0000 (WOODED) New low-maintance cottage homes. Call us for more information!

219 FERN CREEK DRIVE

You found it! The perfect villa in Kenmure where convenience and comfort coalesce... Large floor to ceiling windows in the great room welcome you as you step in the front door and show off the views of the course from the main living areas. 2-car entry level garage, 2 bedrooms on the main floor, this 2-story villa works well as a primary residence or a seasonal getaway. Enjoy the expansive upstairs primary suite with sweeping views of the golf course and surrounding mountains from your private balcony! This home has easy access to the main gate and the amenities. These Ridgeview villas are very popular and don't stay on the market very long.

3899859 $450,000

PriceReduced!

701 BLOSSOM LANE

Updated stand alone villa in Kenmure with open floor plan and beautiful Amber Acacia wood floors. Kitchen has updated appliances and cabinets with laundry room/mud room located off of kitchen and garage entry. Main level has large primary suite and bath, guest bedroom, vaulted ceilings in great room with gas fireplace and built-in book shelves. Fantastic private screened porch that is a great spot for a dinner party or a nap. Lower level is equipped for guests with a kitchenette, family room, two guest bedrooms, full bathroom, office and plenty of storage. Large bonus room/office with outside entrance.

3900643 $699,000

HOW TO

TRANSFORM ANY ROOM INTO A FLEXIBLE SPACE FOR MULTIPURPOSE LIVING

As lifestyles shifted due to the coronavirus pandemic, our homes had to adapt to new activities and routines. Dining rooms and closets became home offices, kids’ bedrooms served as home-school spaces, and guest rooms were outfitted with workout equipment.

Flex spaces are intended to help your home better accommodate your day-to-day life. Guest bedrooms, for example, can often be reimagined for more frequent and flexible use. “People are realizing that an entire room in their home dedicated to an occasional houseguest may not be the best use of space – a commodity that has become decidedly more precious over the past year,” says Los Angeles designer Stefani Stein. To maximize function within your home’s existing floor plan, follow these tips for creating a flex space that works with your lifestyle.

Think outside a room’s assigned function.

Consider your home’s least-used spaces, such as a formal dining room, breakfast nook, sitting room or extra closet, and how they could be put to better use. Your home’s builder might have intended the room for a specific purpose, but feel free to readjust if that doesn’t align with your everyday priorities. “Nothing is off-limits for reimagining how a space can be used,” says interior designer Shaolin Low of the Honolulu-based Studio Shaolin.

A flex space should be designed around the activities that will take place there, such as working, exercising, doing homework and more. “People are surprised by how cohesive they can make a space if they start from ‘What should the space facilitate?’ versus ‘What is supposed to be in this room?’” Johnson says. Consider your long-term needs. As you configure your flex space, consider how your needs might change as time goes on, and plan for flexibility, Low suggests. “If you have young children at home, think about how it will be utilized as they grow up. If you will host a lot of family or guests in the future, think about how you’ll accommodate,” she says. Opt for lightweight, easy-tomove furniture to help ensure your setup can be rearranged as needed.

“When it comes to exercise, consider alternatives to large and bulky equipment, such as tension bands,” says Tiffany Piotrowski of Tiffany Leigh Design. “These can be kept in a decorative bin or basket and still provide a full-body workout.”

Plan for storage.

Incorporate plenty of storage into your flex room to manage clutter and maximize space. “Add storage that can be closed off–cabinets with doors to hide messes and contain all the items necessary for whatever activities will be taking place in the room,” says Austin-based interior designer Killy Scheer. Choose furniture or containers that can stylishly and efficiently accommodate your storage needs, whether that’s for workout gear, office supplies, toys or other items.

Compartmentalize the flex space.

If your flex space will serve multiple functions, section off areas of the room for each need, suggests Pramiti Bhargava of BlueGrape, a San Diego staging company. For example, designate one corner for a home office and use the other side of the room as a workout space. Room dividers or shelving units can serve as physical barriers that separate the space and offer added privacy. For a visual cue, lay down rugs or paint an accent wall to specify different sections. Use flexible furniture.

“If you want to have a multipurpose space, you need to have multipurpose furniture,” Low says. Outfit your room with pieces that can transform to suit different needs or activities. Look for nesting furniture that can be stacked or separated, tables with extendable leaves or fold-down mechanisms, and armoires that can open up to reveal a workspace, suggests Scheer. Just be sure to measure the room carefully before purchasing furniture.

Reflect your personality.

Customize your flex space to suit your style. Use it as an opportunity to go bold with a dramatic paint color or patterned wallpaper. Or tailor it to a certain hobby or interest. “There are so many creative ways to utilize extra space, so take it as an opportunity to showcase your personality and passions,” Bhargava says.

By Jessica Bennett, BHG.com ©2022 Meredith Corporation. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

THINGS NO ONE TELLS YOU ABOUT WORKING WITH A REAL ESTATE AGENT

If you’ve never bought or sold a home before, chances are you have a preconceived notion of what real estate agents are all about. Unfortunately, you may also have the wrong idea or be misinformed about just what these professionals can do for you. Here are three things you probably never knew about working with a real estate agent:

Your relationship with your real estate agent goes way beyond buying or selling a home. A professional real estate agent will be your connection to a myriad of resources you will need before, during and after the transaction, such as mortgage, title and insurance professionals, home improvement and repair services, home stagers, interior designers, painters and landscapers, cleaning services, etc. Many real estate agents are part of a brokerage that offers some of these services within the firm, or that has partner relationships with such firms. They are also well entrenched within the community and can offer great referrals on a whole host of sources that you might need.

2Good real estate agents are not just after a deal at all costs. They’re looking after your best interests because their ultimate goal is to make you happy and create a client for life. Therefore, you can expect your agent to advise you on making the best possible decision, not selling you a bill of goods just to earn a quick commission. For example, if you’re looking at homes in a neighborhood that’s going to put you in a financial bind, a good agent will steer you toward an area that suits your preferences, but also your budget. A good agent is not a money-hungry shark, but a trusted guide.

Remember this: The lifeblood of a real estate agent’s business is referrals, so most are committed to serving you and earning your trust.

3A professional real estate agent is a financial analyst of the local market and will know how to price your home correctly for sale, or will help you make the best offer when bidding on a home to buy. These pricing decisions are based on an in-depth knowledge of knowing what has sold for what price in which neighborhood over the course of the last month, quarter, year, etc. They are also based on granular details of the home, such as a recent remodel that warrants a higher price or a needed repair that requires a price drop. So expect your agent to have a strong opinion when it comes to advising you on how to price your home for sale or put in a bid on the home you want to buy. Know that there’s a lot of research and knowledge that goes into arriving at those numbers.

Remember, there’s more to a good real estate agent than meets the eye! Finding the right professional to work with will make your real estate experience positive and successful.

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Listing Codes To 52187 For More Photos And Info!

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