One BEST list (I told you I love these!) From the latest Realtor' poll - or better said, from the real estate agents trying to sell your house in a tough economy: THE TOP FIVE HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR HOME SELLERS: Project #1.  CLEAN AND DECLUTTER. Average cost $290.  Rate of return 586% (this is not a typo!) .Think this is a no brainer? It certainly should be but spend a bit of time touring homes for sale and you'll quickly see that the obvious is often overlooked. It's a psych 101problem:  Our houses are our homes and home is who we are so please don't suggest any of us are slobs!  I know I live in a house that is more comfort zone than showplace but it's not for sale. For sale means up-ticking the housekeeping. No, it's not fun but buyers see what is there a lot faste... 01/21/2011

. http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com 01/16/2011

01/10/2011

INVESTMENT PROPERTIES-Wise investments for today and tomorrow and the beauty bonus of Asheville area real estate investments.Investing in Asheville area real estate including investing via the 1031 Exchange ( 1031 Like Kind Exchange) has worked for my real estate clients. Investments might include  an  Asheville area 1031 Exchangesuch as an equestrian property by pastoral Mars Hill, North Carolina for a duplex located in Asheville.  Or look at this gorgeous cascade(see photo) that lives on acreage available in a 1031 exchange. Or consider a horse farm or farmland exchanged for a residential property that is rented. Note:  It is wise to seek the counsel of your attorney and CPA while locating replacement properties.  An Asheville area real estate investment could also be what is referred... 11/17/2010

Vista at Bill's Mountain - Lake Lure, NC - Rutherford County With an ideal location, situated in the heart of Western North Carolina, Vista Developers offers some of the finest NC mountain real estate available. Our moderate climate offers great year round opportunities to explore Asheville, Hendersonville and Lake Lure, NC. Mountain real estate can often demand that you sacrifice the pleasures of being in town, but with our communities you are never too far from the "in town" conveniences of Asheville, Hendersonville, and Rutherfordton, NC. From boutique shopping, to mall shopping, to outstanding medical care, it is all easily accessed from all four of our communities. Whether you would like to be ten minutes from downtown Hendersonville, or five minutes from Lake Lure, Vista has a com... 07/20/2010

 Three Creeks Preserve  is an eco-friendly developmentwithin easy reach of Asheville and just a hop-skip-and-jump down the road to Lake Lure, NC. When considering building on a Lot such as that you see here at Three Creeks, whether it is  for your year-round residence or for a second home keep these three factors in mind: a) Proximity to Asheville NC: Less than an hour from Asheville, NC, and just 15 minutes to Lake Lure, NC with excellent restaurants, grocery stores and recreational facilities, Three Creeks reveals one of the secrets of eco-friendly living. (see map) b) Exterior Allure: Three Creeks conservation community offers immediacy to  connections with nature -building sites along a creek, within earshot of a waterfall,  (see photos) beside a meadow, in the shady sanctuary of th... 03/28/2010

Land for Sale Asheville (series)   We ventured out in search of unique LAND for sale between snow storms this week- our objective: to find retreat-like settings for families.  That translates to abundant water sources (possibly a swimming pond, streams for trout fishing, and waterfalls for inspiration) trails for hiking, meadows and sunny places for gardens and a community meeting place. An ideal community might have only 19 or 20 homesites on good-sized  (3+acre) lots and be carved thoughtfully into a larger parcel-say of 250 acres or so that could not be developed and would stay forever wild. The protected land would encompass the waterfalls, trails and other outstanding or environmentally sensitive areas. That common land would invite homeowners to be part of a pristine mountain envi... 12/30/2009

Dateline Asheville, North Carolina, June, 2009News and Views from Asheville's Greenolina, Real Estate Eco-Steward  THREE CREEKS, CASCADES AND WATERFALLS-  Take a deep breath and imagine yourself inspired by this waterfall.  That's what happened for us on our recent picnic and photo shoot at Three Creeks Preserve. Here we discovered a conservation neighborhood beyond compare. Less than an hour from Asheville, NC., and just 4 miles from Lake Lure, NC,  we also discovered the secret to eco-friendly living at Three Creeks Preserve.  We had checked our map (see graphic)  and headed out in high anticipation.  We had heard amazing reports on the Three Creeks conservation neighborhood, one of John and Marilyn Nelson's nature-oriented developments.  We had earlier visited (and loved) Creston Eco... 06/16/2009

     ------------- ©2008 - AmazingVideoTours.com - All Rights Reserved. Any use of this photo, including reproduction, modification, distribution or republication, without the prior written consent of Amazing Video Tours, is strictly prohibited. Amazing Video Tours offers photography and full motion video marketing solutions to Realtors, and other individuals with property to sell, lease, or rent.  A departure from the old fashion 360 Virtual Tour, Amazing Video Tours takes online property marketing to the next level. 02/25/2009

   Lake Lure, NC   Lake Lure is a little gem of a place located southeast of Asheville, and east of Hendersonville.  The name Lake Lure applies to both the lake and the town.     We are located in the Hickory Nut Gorge, between the mountains.  Many of you will have heard of Chimney Rock Park, located in the Gorge.  Scenes from "The Last of the Mohicans" were filmed there. The park has recently become the newest and largest NC state park and we are both proud and very pleased that over a thousand acres will be pristinely maintained for generations to come.     We are a small town wrapped around the lake that is our heart.  The mountain views here are superb and the lake has been recognized as one of the most beautiful man-made lakes in the country.  Our pace of life is, well, a bit slowe... 02/04/2009

Snug Harbor Retreat - Right on Lake Lure, NC This brand new Lake Lure home is now available for vacation rentals. Located lakefront, this home is perfectly situated on a quiet cove just 1 1/2 mi. from the beach/marina area. Two large open entertainment areas complete with lcd tv's, comfy couches and fireplaces await your relaxation. Lake views from two of the four bedrooms. This home has a big kitchen so you can feed the crowd easily. The home is fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Outside you have a large screen porch complete with rocking chairs ready for you to sit and enjoy this quiet cove. At the waterfront, you have a huge deck with two sets of tables and chairs, and just below, there is a great swimming or fishing dock, complete with ladder. We have a ... 10/12/2008

We live in the mountains, a"sweet spot" for  for Eco Development and Communities and for people who make choices for quality of life..... Just one look at  our   view-sheds says more than a thousand words in that regard. The Asheville area mountains, the valleys, the streams and waterfalls are natural gifts in-which to delight. (photo is of the AMAZING  waterfall at Asheville area Three Creeks Eco-Community) And not only a sense of place announces itself,  but, equally many say,  a sense of community.   During difficult days and uncertain times, how good it is to be able to connect with such gifts. The uncommon blessing of neighborliness and verve, prevails here, despite the challenges. Was it only yesterday that a friend remarked,  " Aren't we glad we live in interesting times?"To whic... 09/15/2008

This place is one of the truly beautiful places on earth. I vacationed here as a kid from Florida and still love to visit and now work! The Lake Lure Beach Area below has a breathtaking view of the mountains. No wonder the movie makers from Last of the Mohicans and Dirty Dancing chose this place. The home above is available for Vacation Rentals. This home has 4 bedrooms and is right on the water.  This home is just 1 1/2 miles from the Lake Lure Beach area. Have a blast at this great house on the water. Call Cindy Bock for availability. 828.606.1957 The Lake Lure Inn and Spa. Built at the turn of the century, this unique inn is directly across from the Lake Lure Beach area, complete with a large sand beach, volleyball, kids water park and great views of the mountains. To know more about... 09/11/2008

It's one of my favorite restaurants! Larkin's is famous for it's boat parking, tender BBQ ribs and award winning wine list. Larkin's offers casual outdoor dining and upscale dining upstairs. Try the famous Chimney Rock burger or the fresh catch of the day. Larkin's is open 7 days a week! Located in Lake Lure North Carolina. Phone: (828) 625-4075. For additional information please visit their official website: http://www.larkinsonthelake.com/index.html 08/27/2008

Officials are reassuring residents located downstream from Lake Lure's water treatment plant that, despite a reduction in water flow, the water quality if still good.  Due to the severe drought in the Lake Lure area, the water level is down by three feet and continues to lose approximately 1 1/4" per day.  Because of this, the water flow downstream was restricted from 9.7 million gallons per day to 9 million per day to help support the wildlife in the lake as well as continue functions at the water treatment plant.  The reduction is still well within state guidelines and the treatment plant is operating within the state's Special Order of Consent (SOC).  A recent inspection of the plant confirmed that there were no violations of the SOC.  While Lake Lure residents aren't currently under... 08/14/2008

For my 35th birthday my husband Ken, my daughter Isobella and our fat dog lovingly named Gizmo loaded onto the family car for a picnic lunch in beautiful Lake Lure North Carolina. It's one of my favorite places to visit for the day. Nestled between the Piedmont region and Appalachian Mountains, Lake Lure is located in the western part of North Carolina and is best known for being the real-life location of the 1980's hit movie, "Dirty Dancing". The lake is the number one attraction and the reason so many families visit Lake Lure year after year. National Geographic has called Lake Lure one of the most beautiful man-made lakes in the world. Visitors come to enjoy the 720 acres of lake, sparkling clean beach area, and the incredible Blue Ridge mountain range including Chimney Rock. In addi... 08/05/2008

For Buyers who have been holding out for prices to drop, the time is now to find some fabulous deals on vacant land and homes in Lake Lure and the surrounding areas.  Call today to find out more........ Paul VanWormer  (828)-694-2084 07/23/2008

Located in the heart of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure, North Carolina encompasses all the beauty that Western North Carolina real estate offers. Originally, a resort was built around the lake, utilizing the area's natural beauty to "lure" people to the area. Currently, the lake is now held in trust by the Town of Lake Lure as a benefit for its citizens. Although no schools actually operate within Lake Lure city limits, students living here attend schools in the Polk and Rutherford County Schools Systems. Outdoor recreation is key to the Lake Lure lifestyle, with the 720 acre lake providing the primary location for a day's activities. Residents enjoy full access to the marina seven days a week for free and everyone is encouraged to enjoy the boating, fishing and waterskiing the lake has t... 06/12/2008

There are many minor things you can do to your home to enhance it's marketability. Remember, you want your home to make a great first impression to a potential buyer. Spend some time prior to placing your home on the market cleaning out storage spaces, closets, and cabinets. Remove any excess clutter from your home as well. You want the prospective buyer to remember the architectural features of the house and not the furnishings you have in it. The potential buyer needs to be able to envision their furnishings in your home.Below is a list of things you can do to increase the value of your home:Consider Curb Appeal:It is estimated that more than 50% of homes are sold before the buyers even get out of their cars. Stand across the street from your house and review the curb appeal.       . ... 02/27/2008

One of the reasons for moving to Lake Lure was the appeal of 4 seasons. The fall colors here can be extraordinary, the winters mild and the summers moderate with low humidity. The strongest emotional appeal, however, comes with the arrival of spring. The annual rites of renewal, watching the leaves return to the Poplar trees; the blooming jonquils; and buds popping out on the dogwoods and azaleas gets me excited about this beautiful area once again. The other aspect of this spring in particular is the opportunity to once again take our boat out on the lake after the triennial lowering of the lake and the 90 days I've been going through withdrawal from lake-based activity. Now, for 33 months we'll be able to hop on the boat and enjoy the wonderful water, the mountain scenery and the comp... 02/16/2007