NORTH C AROLINA
828 459 6025
VIGNETTEREALTY.COM 1
Home is where you write your story.
The decision to purchase or sell real estate is one of the most important decisions of our lives. It can mean saying goodbye to past experiences and opening the doors for new ones. Which is why choosing the right broker is just as important as the decision to buy or sell. Our advice? Choose someone who is on your side against the world, who has the knowledge to handle any issues that arise. Choose a full-time broker who has an entire team behind them who will do everything in their power to make sure your transaction goes off without a hitch. How can we help you write your next story?
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Meet your dream team. Welcome to Vignette Realty, the full-service real estate collaborative offering the utmost in listing services and a stress-free buying experience to anyone searching for or selling property in Western North Carolina. Rather than competing with one another, our firm’s agents work together, putting incredible customer service at the forefront. Each member of the support staff is a licensed broker, enabling them to perform any agent duties as needed. As we’re usually juggling multiple deals, we can pass the baton to each other without skipping a beat, which is invaluable in today’s fast-paced market. We don’t believe in voicemail. If one of us isn’t able to answer the phone, the call is transferred to the whole team, so you receive immediate help. Without the restrictions of a national franchise, we’re better able to make business and marketing decisions on a more localized level as an independent firm.
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Amanda Bryant Transaction Coordinator
Rashaune De La Cruz Broker + Owner
Kristie Brennan Broker + Owner
José Feria Broker Associate
Zena Lynch Marketing Director
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Kristie Brennan BROKER + OWNER
kb@vignetterealty.com :: 828 544 1159 KRISTIELEEBRENNAN 6
Meet Kristie. When you jump out of bed excited to
well-respected and innovative agent.
start your day, you can never call your job
Kristie goes above and beyond for each
work! Born and raised in Florida, the ocean
of her clients and makes the process fun.
was a second home to Kristie. At 19, she
Approaching every problem as if there is
joined the US Navy, where she served as
already a solution, she is focused on the
a fighter jet mechanic on board the USS
best possible outcome for all involved.
Abraham Lincoln. The experience not only
She cultivates a feeling of belonging for
taught Kristie the importance of protecting
her clients by personally introducing them
the liberty of her fellow Americans but
to their new community. More than a real
also forged her tireless determination to
estate agent, she becomes a trusted
succeed at any endeavor.
advisor in helping you write a new story.
As a lifelong adventurer, Kristie has lived all
When Kristie isn’t helping clients navigate
over the country but found that Franklin,
the unique process of home ownership,
North Carolina, suited her family best. The
you can find her in the kitchen cooking
beauty of the mountains combined with the
for clients and friends or hiking the
warmth of a small town fostered Kristie’s
mountainside with her husband Jack and
affinity for the serenity of mountain living.
black lab Blue.
This led to a strong desire to help others make it their home, as well. Coupled with her travels and background in marketing and sales, a career in real estate was a natural path for Kristie. She has excelled in the competitive landscape of Western North Carolina real estate, quickly establishing a reputation as a
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Rashaune De La Cruz BROKER + OWNER
rd@vignetterealty.com :: 828 421 7436 RASHAUNEDLC 8
Meet Rashaune. As a native of Franklin, North Carolina,
one mischievous puppy, and their close-
Rashaune has spent most of her life in
knit extended family.
the mountains. From an early age, she was a star soccer player and led Franklin High School to victory numerous times. As a high achiever on and off the field, Rashaune took her studies in school seriously and set her sights on attending Western Carolina University. There, she earned a degree in Business Finance with a concentration in Corporate Banking. Upon exiting college, Rashaune knew her real passion was working with people, cultivating relationships, and sharing
Rashaune is committed to listening to her clients’ needs while utilizing her savvy negotiating skills to ensure a successful transaction. She understands the numerous benefits of living in Western North Carolina, with its unmatched weather, culture, and scenery. When Rashaune isn’t working with her clients, you can find her at one of her son’s soccer games or baking at home with her loved ones.
her vast knowledge of Western North Carolina with homeowners and buyers. Rashaune met her husband at a young age, and together, they built a life centered around their two young boys,
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José Feria BROKER ASSOCIATE
jose@vignetterealty.com :: 828 333 5943 JOSE.FERIA_ 10
Meet José. As a native of Franklin, North Carolina,
calling, working with people and solving
José has great appreciation for the
problems. He obtained his real estate
Blue Ridge Mountains. José attended
license and began his work with buyers
Highlands School and was a proud
and sellers.
Highlander all the way from kindergarten to the twelfth grade. Growing up in a small town gave him a deep appreciation of how special our mountain community truly is. After high school graduation, José joined the Marine Corps, attending the School of Infantry. There, he learned how best to defend his country and gained invaluable knowledge about the importance of
José excels at teamwork and remaining calm in tough situations. He focuses on the big picture and determines the most logical steps, in order to arrive at the finish line. In his free time, José loves spending time with his family, taking his dog Remy for hikes, and golfing at one of our many beautiful golf courses.
teamwork and perseverance. José then went on to study at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. While working part-time jobs to support his college dreams, José found his true
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Amanda Bryant TRANSACTION COORDINATOR
amanda@vignetterealty.com :: 828 220 6387
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Meet Amanda. Born and raised in South Florida, Amanda
her new home with others. She knew her
spent her youth at the beach, while
experience with marketing, hospitality,
devoting most of her weekends to fishing
and education would be a perfect fit for
on the water with her dad.
a career in real estate. Amanda’s vast
Amanda graduated with her BA in Marketing from the University of North Florida. After graduating, she decided
knowledge of home buying and selling makes her an incredible asset to Vignette Realty.
to return to her hometown, where, as
When Amanda is not hard at work
fate would have it, she met her future
coordinating transactions seamlessly, she
husband. Together, they decided to
can be found enjoying hikes at Wayah
embark on a career of teaching the youth.
Bald, swimming in the clean crisp waters
Amanda was a natural at educating young
of Nantahala Lake, or enjoying the views
minds; her patience, management skills,
from her mountain cabin with her husband
and guiding hand allowed for children to
Kyle and two cats Felix and Church.
blossom under her care. While teaching was something she loved, Amanda knew her true passion was awaiting her in the mountains of North Carolina. Amanda and her husband fell in love with the peaceful mountains and waterfalls of Western North Carolina, and as a result, she wanted to share her love of
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Zena Lynch MARKETING DIRECTOR
zena@vignetterealty.com :: 828 220 5988
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Meet Zena. Zena spent her formative years in
estate world, garnering awards from
southern Virginia on her grandparents’
Leading Real Estate Companies of
50-acre farm, tilling potatoes and
the World® and International Property
catching bream from the pond with her
Awards.
grandfather.
After ten years in marketing and five
After graduating from William Peace
years in the real estate industry, she met
University and getting a job at a large
Kristie and Rashaune, helping them to
corporation in Raleigh, Zena decided to
spark the idea for Vignette Realty, a real
return to her small-town roots. By chance,
estate firm where every team member is
she found the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau
an equal and an elevated client experience
one foggy day and moved there a few
with exceptional brokers is at the
months later. Her and her husband were
forefront. She firmly believes that good
married on a hill overlooking Lake Fairfield
design sells and that every property has
in Sapphire, and they purchased a few
the potential to be someone’s ideal home.
acres of their own in Glenville, where they now raise chickens and hunt for chanterelles and wild blackberries in the summer months. Zena uses her keen aesthetics to present properties in the best possible light, whether they be tiny cottages or multimillion-dollar estates. Her talents have drawn attention all over the real
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Rave Reviews
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Rashaune has been an outstanding agent to work with throughout the sale of my home. She has been able to negotiate our complex schedules without fail and has inspired full confidence in her ability to handle all aspects of the processes from start to finish. I look forward to working with her in the future. - LUKE COOK
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It was a joy working with Kristie!! She was there for me each time I needed her, always keeping me informed and letting me know she had my back in every matter that arose. (She even mowed the lawn one day, certainly going beyond the call of duty!!) Kristie was outstanding in every way in her abilities to get my home sold quickly. There could be no one more perfectly suited to her job -- she loves what she does, and it shows!! - CHRISTINE SECKEL
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I cannot say enough positive things for José Feria with his exceptional service in helping the process of buying a new home. Coming from Florida to North Carolina for this move in itself was an experience. I received an email with photos of the house only after only seven hours of it being on the market, and José accomplished a video tour as we were out of state at the time the offer was put on house. During the weeks ahead, we visited and were treated with tremendous care by José. Even with a few minor problems with the USDA Loan, we were still able to complete this purchase in a timely manner. Thank you to José Feria; we will definitely refer your services to anyone in the market for home purchase. - KATHE CROSS
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Very professional, and made buying our house in Franklin incredibly easy. She made sure to do everything in her power for us to be able to secure the house we wanted and transition from our place in Florida to our new home in Franklin. We found our dream home and we couldn’t be more thankful!!! Thanks again! - J. SAUNDERS
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72 REVIEWS ON ZILLOW WITH 4.97/5 AVERAGE
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Kristie was fantastic to work with. I own thousands of rentals and I’ve worked with a lot of real estate agents ... Kristie has been one of the best! Kristie was professional, offered a ton of insight to the local area, was extremely responsive, and worked to create a win-win situation for everyone involved in the transaction. - TIM BRATZ
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Kristie’s professionalism and problem-solving skills, along with her positive outlook, enthusiasm and energy, truly make her the only agent you want to work with. No problem is too big nor detail too small for Kristie Brennan. - JONATHAN NEWELL
Rashaune surpassed every expectation I had! The marketing material she prepared for my property was excellent and on point! Her knowledge of the market and the sales process were very helpful! She answered all of my questions in a quick and professional manner! My property was listed for approximately 3.5 days (84 hours) with 5 showings and an offer which I accepted! Bottom line ... Rashaune got results! Rashaune gets my highest recommendation! - JAMES DERRIN CARPENTER
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Excellent service! We have utilized different REALTORS® throughout the years and by far this is the best agent we have ever had. Rashaune is very professional, knowledgeable and provided excellent service. She was very prompt in responding to questions and concerns. No matter what bump in the road came along, she was on it! She is very tapped into local resources which made our transition to this new town feel less overwhelming. When the time comes, we will for sure be utilizing Vignette Realty for any future real estate needs. - ADDY CLARK
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Vignette Marketing Our in-house marketing team has over 10 years of experience in creative campaign development using digital and print channels, producing qualified potential buyers in search of vacation homes or investment opportunities.
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Distinctive Photography Your home gets one chance to make a first impression—often, for only a few seconds. We use emotive photography and virtual staging to make your home stand out from the competition.
VIRTUALLY STAGED 19
Social Media When we list your home, our goal is to get as many folks as we can through the door, which is why we use social media in innovative ways to tell the story of your home.
Email Marketing Our database consists of thousands of qualified buyers, so your home will be in the inbox of those who want to see it most.
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3D Virtual Tours In today’s market, virtual tours are vital so that outof-state buyers can tour properties on our website or Zillow without leaving the comfort of their own homes.
31%
4.8%
Properties with 3D
Listings with 3D tours
tours sell up to 31%
close at a 4-9% higher
faster on average
sale price on average
Statistics sourced from https://matterport.com/blog/3d-tours-properties-sell-31-faster-and-higher-price
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The Selling Process DECISION TO SELL
LISTING GOES LIVE ON MLS + OTHER ONLINE PORTALS
COMPLETE LISTING
A REALTOR
PAPERWORK
PHOTOGRAPHY, PRINT
CREATE + REVIEW
MATERIALS, 3D TOUR
MARKETING PLAN
HOLD OPEN HOUSE
COORDINATE
(IF APPLICABLE)
INCOMING SHOWINGS
RECEIVE AN OFFER
NEGOTIATIONS
COMPLETE PRE-MARKETING CHECKLIST
ACCEPTANCE
DUE DILIGENCE ENDS.
DUE DILIGENCE
SELECT CLOSING
START PACKING!
PERIOD
ATTORNEY
CLOSING MEETING
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INTERVIEW + CHOOSE
DEED RECORDED AT
RECEIVE YOUR
COURTHOUSE
PROCEEDS
The Buying Process LENDER CHOOSE YOUR AGENT
BUYER CONSULTATION
PREAPPROVAL IF NEEDED
NEGOTIATIONS
ACCEPTED OFFER YOU’RE UNDER CONTRACT!
OFFER
EARNEST MONEY
VIEW PROPERTIES
DUE DILIGENCE
+ CONTRACT TO CLOSING ATTORNEY
Home inspection Radon test Survey Pest inspection
TITLE EXAM WORK + TITLE INSURANCE APPROVED BY CLOSING
FINISH LOAN APPROVAL + UNDERWRITING
Septic inspection Water quality test
PROCESS
Review deed restrictions
INSURANCE + GET
REVIEW CLOSING
FINAL WALKTHROUGH
UTILITY TRANSFER
DISCLOSURE
BEFORE CLOSING
DEED RECORDED AT
CLOSING MEETING WITH
FUNDS TO CLOSING
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
ATTORNEY
ATTORNEY
ATTORNEY
SET UP HOME
INFORMATION
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EXPERIENCED ADVICE
LOYALTY
→ Create a marketing strategy,
→ Prioritize your interests above all
conduct a competitive market analysis, and recommend a list price that will maximize the sale of your
else. → Respect the confidentiality of your personal information.
property. → Offer advice on staging and
→ Ensure that all parties to the transaction are fully informed of
potential repairs so that your home
any material facts that may impact
is more attractive to potential
the transaction.
buyers. → Identify quality professionals including attorneys, handymen,
RESPONSIVENESS
stagers, and inspectors.
→ Always act in good faith.
→ Utilize all appropriate methods to market your property to buyers and other agents. → Help you make informed decisions leading to a successful sale.
→ Follow your instructions. → Respond to calls, texts, and emails promptly. → Track deadlines and dates closely.
→ Ensure that all offers are presented and responded to promptly.
ACCOUNTING → Receive and remit earnest money deposits.
→ Negotiate for the best price and terms possible, while staying mindful of your specific goals.
→ Timely receipt and delivery of all documents. → Review the final settlement
Your Broker’s Responsibilities 24
statements.
SELLER
LISTING
TYPICALLY
AGENT’S
PAYS
FIRM
The Commission Payment
BUYER
BUYER’S AGENT’S FIRM
BUYER’S
LISTING
AGENT
AGENT
LENDER
INSPECTOR
LISTING AGENT
BUYER’S AGENT
SELLER
TITLE COMPANY
The Flow of Communication 25
A Sampling of Sales
675 Waterford Dr Maggie Valley, NC $675,000
250 Mint Rd Webster, NC $595,000
269 Jin Ln Franklin, NC $430,000
90 Williamsburg Ct
60 Peach Orchard Rd
138 Croakin Frog Ln
Highlands, NC
Franklin, NC
Otto, NC
$675,000
$2,900,000
$389,000
130 Five Points Dr
608 Flowers Gap Rd
174 Golden Eagles Pt
Franklin, NC
Franklin, NC
Otto, NC
$794,000
$400,500
$350,000
82 Iotla View Dr
Evans Creek Rd
1935 Muskrat Valley Ln
Franklin, NC
Franklin, NC
Franklin, NC
$599,000
$420,000
$475,000
177 Gibson Cove Estates Rd
1000/1246 Evans Creek Rd
704 & 700 Coweeta Lab
Franklin, NC
Franklin, NC
Otto, NC
$436,000
$685,000
$560,000
1184 Gold Mine Rd
1376 Black Oak Dr
1001 Pressley Rd
Highlands, NC
Sapphire, NC
Franklin, NC
$695,000
$420,000
$560,000
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AND DEAR TO US
NON-PROFITS NEAR
A FEW OF THE
Giving Back 828 Vets Boys And Girls Club of the Plateau Special Liberty Project Toys for Tots 27
vignette noun
vi·gnette / vin’yet/ A descriptive piece of writing that captures a brief period in time. Vignettes are focused on vivid imagery and meaning. Vignettes can be stand-alone, but they are more commonly part of a larger narrative.
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