A Sunny Outlook

IS NOW THE TIME TO SELL?

A CONVERSATION WITH OWNER/ PRESIDENT, JOCHEN LUCKE by Kristin Bowen

Q&A

The global pandemic has brought people from all over the country to Western North Carolina. Many Americans are adopting major lifestyle changes, including embracing mountainous areas like ours to find a simpler way of living for themselves and their families. It is easy to freely move about, relax and play here when surrounded by a natural world filled with treasured National Forests, layered blue mountains, clean oxygen to breathe, clear skies, and small-town charm. The secret is out that we have all of this and so much more, and the boom in real estate on the Plateau is a prime indication of this. Last spring and just one month into the pandemic, I had the pleasure of a socially-distanced interview with Jochen Lucke, the president of Silver Creek Real Estate Group and publisher of NC Living Magazine. We discussed the outlook of real estate then, published in our Spring 2020 issue, and just this past November we reconvened on the topic once again. KB: Thank you, Jochen, for taking a few minutes at an unprecedentedly busy time to share your expertise on where we are now with local real estate and what we might expect going forward. Buyers and sellers look to you and your team of seasoned brokers for answers, and now more than ever, they have questions. First of all, can you give your perspective as to what has happened with the local real estate market since the start of the global pandemic? JL: In 2020, Highlands-Cashiers real estate sales are up 85% from 2019. The continued desirability of the Plateau for those seeking seasonal and full-time residences accelerated at a rapid pace. I do not recall a period when we have spent so much time at home. This past year, with extended family returning home in some cases, the desire to escape to the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina and enjoy the cool summer temperatures, the great outdoors, and a quieter way of life, fueled our record sales volume. Our team has completed

Aerial real estate photography is a necessity for selling a mountain home so potential buyers can get a feel for how the property is situated.

more transactions than any other firm on the Plateau thanks to our remarkable agents and their loyal clients.

KB: Seeing the trend to buy in the local area with 2020 real estate sales more than doubling and in some places tripling across the Plateau versus 2019, can you project what this same market may look like in 2021? JL: We have so many clients that are still seeking to purchase homes on the Plateau, I see 2021 sales only limited by the supply of inventory.

KB: So you are saying now is a good time to sell a home? JL: Yes, to be clear, the demand is greater than the supply. Our inventory of homes is incredibly low. The Silver Creek team has been very proactive and engaged with many potential sellers already and we are looking forward to offering new homes to the market over these winter and spring months. Our comprehensive marketing program has been recognized by both our clients and national industry groups as exceptional, and it delivers results! While we saw national franchises and local competitors reduce marketing expenditures during the pandemic, Silver Creek increased our spending which has proven to be beneficial for our sellers and brokers. Extraordinary marketing continues to be crucial in selling properties for the highest and best price. Don’t settle for average marketing when you can receive exceptional marketing with Silver Creek. If a homeowner has even the slightest notion of selling in the next few years, now is the time to seriously consider it. Our team is available to assist in every step of the process.

Silver Creek Real Estate Group won multiple awards once again in the Website Rankings by Real Trends, competing against real estate brands all across the nation.⁠

KB: Due to the pandemic, "Zoom Towns" are popping up all over the country, a term used to refer to refuge-seekers who wish to live and work remotely in more rural areas. Do you believe the Plateau has transitioned from a secondary homeowners market to a primary one? Who wouldn’t want to live out their dream of residing full time in our Blue Ridge Mountains? JL: We have definitely seen an increase in those working and studying remotely. I predict this trend will continue as companies across many industries permanently change their work culture to allow their team members to work remotely. Connectivity will continue to be a major factor for many buyers. Those communities that have taken steps to “connect” their community to high-speed internet will be much more desirable in the future to buyers.

KB: Last we spoke, as a technologically advanced company, you cited there was a 34% increase in your website traffic February thru April. What is that increase now? JL: At the time of this interview (November 2020), our website traffic increased over 105% through the end of October 2020. Our digital marketing team continues to deliver engaging content to a targeted audience for maximum exposure of our clients’ properties.

The Lake Glenville Discovery Center offers room for Silver Creek’s ever-growing team and a place for visitors and clients to learn more about the Lake Glenville area and all that it offers.

KB: As a market leader consistently topping performance charts and winning awards, I understand the company landed another award this past year. Can you tell us about it? JL: Yes, NCLiving.com has been recognized in five categories this year by Real Trends, which ranks real estate websites across the country. Our website design has evolved over the years, but it has always stayed true to our brand, providing value to those who use us as their number one source for all things Plateau.

KB: You've announced the addition of your second office location, situated on pristine Lake Glenville. How does this bolster your already dominant presence in the lake market?⁠ JL: Just as we carefully consider before adding any brokers to our top-producing team, we thoughtfully deliberated before adding to our footprint. I believe this new space on Highway 107 North will help us better serve our clients and be a timely addition to our thriving firm. The branch, dubbed the “Lake Glenville Discovery Center,” offers room for Silver Creek’s ever-growing team and a place for visitors and clients to learn more about the Lake Glenville area and all that it offers. In addition to two new staff members, Melissa Haggar-Jordan and Darlene Ott, we have welcomed four brokers to our team this year: Rick Jackson, Kevin Koach, Rob Whitney, and Chris Duffy.

The Library Kitchen & Bar chef and staff enjoying NC Living Magazine, a Silver Creek Real Estate Group publication, which is celebrating its fifth year of publication.

KB: It appears that this particular market is breaking all real estate sales records. With interest rates continuing to remain low and sales expected to continue, why should someone choose Silver Creek Real Estate Group to assist them in buying or selling a home? JL: The last two years have seen a record level of sales on the Plateau. Our team continues to utilize the latest in technology, as well as work to improve and expand our marketing programs to assist homebuyers and sellers. While national franchises are hampered by decisions made in faraway cities and not necessarily focused on our local market, Silver Creek is locally owned and operated. We strive to focus on what is best for our clients and the market, which delivers exceptional results. Our continued success is built on mutually beneficial, long-term relationships. We live and breathe our motto, “Building Relationships and Delivering Dreams”.

Perched above 4,550 feet in elevation in the quiet and picturesque enclave of Falcon Ridge, Ghostwood Bear Manor offers panoramic long-range views of South Carolina lakes, Whiteside Mountain, and multiple mountain ranges that must be seen to be believed.

A gated entrance and impeccable landscaping with two dramatic water features, one of which starts in the center island and cascades to the lower level, provide a stunning first impression of this architectural masterpiece. Ghostwood siding, copper and cedar shake roofing, and custom mahogany garage doors add to the abundant curb appeal. Reclaimed timbers and a stunning two-story fireplace grace the living area, which is open to the formal dining room and kitchen. The loft above leads to a private office where you can be inspired by the views which transform constantly with the weather from sunrise to sunset.

The many decks are perfect for relaxing amid cool breezes while enjoying a sunset cocktail next to one of the multiple outdoor fireplaces. The first of two master suites has its own porch for greeting the morning sun, which includes a fireplace and NanaWall doors.

Encompassing over 8,600 square feet, the luxurious floor plan gives plenty of room for each guest to have a space of their own. Each of the five bedroom suites feels like a master suite, with spacious sitting areas and en suite baths. One of the guest suites even boasts its own morning kitchen and dining area. Three additional half baths provide added convenience. On the lower level, a second expansive living area adjoins a wet bar, home theater, and climatized wine cellar, with access to the lower deck.

Nothing was overlooked in creating this spectacular showpiece, including natural stone, hand-hewn beams and mantles, iron balustrades, floating staircases, and windows everywhere for abundant natural light. Steeped in incomparable detail, the wooden floors and wainscoting, bark accents, and copper fixtures are just a few of the fine finishes that will ensure happy memorymaking for years to come. Offered at $3,400,000. Watch the video and take the 3D virtual home tour at ncliving.com/ listing/93884.