It started with a call from a customer that wanted to want to see a very rustic log cabin in an extremely remote area.  Two guys, passing through town on motorcycles, one of which wanted to buy a cabin. I had shown this cabin to a lovely couple just the week before so I knew how far out it was.  Since they wanted to meet me in the little town close to the cabin rather than the safety of the office, needless to say, my radar was on high alert.  This is one of those times when I am so thankful that we work together as a team and I didn’t have to call on someone else to either work the buyer or go with me for safety reasons. Wanting to maximize our time with them we found several log cabins in the area and made arrangements to show those as well.  And, on Saturday morning at the appointed ... 05/06/2011

Freddie Mac just announced that mortgage rates are drifting LOWER!!!  Of the lenders it surveys, the Freddie Mac report released today indicates that the rate for a 30-year, fixed rate mortgage was averaging 4.71% as compared with 4.78% just one week ago.   Rates for 15-year loans dipped from an average of 3.89% to 3.97%. According to Freddie Mac, these 15-year loans are popular for refinance. Of course, these buyers must be well-qualified with a solid credit score and are putting at least 20% down. Personally I think this is excellent news and should continue to reinforce consumer confidence in the market.   Rates are low and prices are low.  What a great combination!!  The savvy buyer will surely be taking advantage of these opportunities.  As a savvy agent what can you do TODAY to pu... 05/05/2011

  “There’s no place like home.  There’s no place like home”.  Long ago, in a land far away, one of my favorite events every year was the annual playing of The Wizard of Oz.  There were no vcr or dvd players back then so it was a treat and my Mom would actually let me and my sister stay up past our bedtime to watch the entire show.   I cried when the flying monkeys went after Dorothy and Toto and sang along with the Munchkins as they danced along the “yellow brick road”.   In the end, Dorothy was given the coveted ruby slippers and, when she clicked her heels together and repeated the “no place like home” mantra, she was quickly transported back to the home of Auntie Em.   If you’ve followed my blog over the past couple of days you will know that I have been at Naval Station Great Lakes... 05/04/2011

  There are days in your life you will always remember and, for me, today was one of them.  Our beautiful 19 year old daughter, Moriah, graduated from Navy Hospital Corpsman School today.  Making the trip to Great Lakes Naval Base (outside Chicago) from North Carolina with me was our daughter, Huntyr and my mom.  Moriah’s fiancee Aric, also in the Navy and stationed in Portsmouth, VA joined us in Great Lakes.     Due to national events over the last couple of days, heightened security surrounding the base meant we had to be there a bit early to pass through security.  So, our day started bright an early with a 5 am wake-up call. We were being picked up at our hotel by the Sailors’ favorite cab driver, John “Sarge” Spadaro.  Retired military himself, he now drives a cab and takes excelle... 05/03/2011

The Associate Brokers at Coldwell Banker High Country Realty’s Murphy Regional Office are sponsoring and coaching a T-Ball Team here in Murphy.  Officially known as the Murphy Blue Sox the co-ed team consists of young players from 4 to 6 years old most of which have never played before.   Coach Jack and Asst Coach Carol have done an excellent job organizing and getting these little cuties ready to hit the big leagues.  We have had the opportunity to assist with practices and even got to coach First (Bill) and Third (Cyndi) bases in this past Friday night’s first game.  Our 14 year old son, Evan, who has been playing since he started in T-Ball himself, took his turn at first base as well.  Our team did an excellent job in their first game and we are very proud of them.  Technically, we d... 05/01/2011

We’re delighted to share our new Spring 2011 Mountain Properties Brochure with you! Coldwell Banker High Country has just received their new brochure filled with 48 pages of some of the best Mountain Properties in the NC, GA and TN Mountains. With offices located in Murphy, NC and in Ellijay, Blue Ridge and Hiawassee, GA its no wonder why we’re the Mountain Regional Real Estate Company to serve you. You’ll want to take your time browsing through all these gorgeous homes, land and commercial opportunities. From riverfront homes to foreclosures you’re sure to find that perfect get-away. It’s not just the value you’ll find in the mountains – it’s also the lifestyle! Visit Lee & Carol Barbour at www.MountainLivingTeam.com or call 828.361.9713 to request your own copy of the newest Spring 20... 04/29/2011

Coldwell Banker High Country in Murphy, NC had a great turn out for the Caravan today! The weather was gorgeous again as eleven agents headed out to preview some of our great listings here in Murphy and Hayesville, North Carolina and Hiawasse, GA. We saw homes with wonderful views, one on the Hiwassee River with great Fly Fishing just out your back yard and one with a beautiful waterfall! A great Log Cabin on 11 acres and a very affordable one level home in a park-like setting. Here are just a few that we visited today...               Coldwell Banker High Country has Mountain Regional offices in Ellijay, Blue Ridge and Hiawassee, GA and of course our office here in Murphy, NC. If you’d like to have your property included in our next Caravan, please let us know and we’d love the opportu... 04/20/2011

  The Military has a wonderful tool for family and friends to keep in touch with their loved ones in the Military. It's called MOTOMail.us - You can now send an e-mail to your family or friends that are deployed in any branch of the military and it will be download printed out and had delivered usually within 24 hours. MUCH FASTER THAN MAIL.... This is an awesome way to keep in touch and great way to tell your loved ones that you are there to support them and they are always in your hearts and mind. A great motivational tool with lasting memories!!     My son PFC Ryan Kotchenreuther a Marine, was deployed to the Mediterranean a few weeks ago. He will not be home until March. I am so thankful that the Military has this tool for me to use to keep in touch with him. GOD BLESS ALL OF OUR M... 04/14/2011

No traffic jams here in downtown Murphy, NC! One thing we haven’t missed since 1997 is that 5:00 rush hour traffic in downtown Miami. Our buildings might not be as tall and we might not have all the name brand stores, but walking in downtown Murphy is one of the best things about living in Cherokee County, NC.  Park or walk downtown and you could spend all day there. One of our favorite places for breakfast is at Main Street where you can stop in or drive thru. We love their breakfast sandwich of whole wheat toast, eggs, cheese and a nice slice of tomato to get us going for a busy day showing real estate or browsing through the Classic Swan, Bless My Stitches, Rumors, Antiquities and the many other great restaurants and shops downtown.  After all that shopping you might just want to st... 04/13/2011

The weather here in Murphy, NC is just gorgeous! It's a perfect day for a Sunday drive anywhere here in the mountains. If you're heading down HWY 64 toward Hayesville or Franklin from Murphy you'll pass one of our favorite barns along the way. Barns, Pasture and Mountain Views instead of lots of traffic jams? If you’d like to live here in our small town atmosphere and enjoy the mountain living visit Lee & Carol Barbour ~ The Mountain Living Team and we’ll get you started on finding your own “peace of the mountains”.  www.MurphyMountainLiving.com 04/10/2011

Coldwell Banker High Country in Murphy, NC had a great turn out for the Caravan today! The weather was gorgeous as twelve agents headed out to preview some of our great properties here in Murphy, North Carolina. We saw some great homes – from Log, Townhouse, Traditional and Craftsman style to a very cute HUD home. We even checked out a couple of awesome view lots in the Highland Creek Subdivision with septic systems already installed! We even had time to take a break out on the deck of one of the river homes.                     Coldwell Banker High Country has Mountain Regional offices in Ellijay, Blue Ridge and Hiawassee, GA and of course our office here in Murphy, NC. If you’d like to have your property included in our next Caravan, please let us know and we’d love the opportunity to... 04/07/2011

Did Dogwood Winter show up in Murphy, NC today? We had some chilly temperatures and frost on the ground to welcome us this morning. Old-timers in the Appalachians know there are several named "winters" following winter, and Dogwood and Blackberry Winter are perhaps the best known. It’s a term used by Southerners to describe a period of cold weather that coincides with the blooming of the local dogwoods and blackberries, usually occurring in the mid April to May months. With the possibility of frost happening during Dogwood and Blackberry winters, many Southerners here in Murphy, NC wait until after these winters have passed to plant tender vegetables and annuals. The Native Americans also watched for the dogwood blooms as the sign to begin planting corn and other crops. For more informa... 04/06/2011

Here is the Murphy, NC Market Snapshot for March 2011.  We've also included the previous month's stats for comparison.  If you're looking to purchase a home or land in Murphy, NC and start enjoying Mountain Living then please contact Lee & Carol Barbour at www.MurphyMountainLiving.com and we'll get started right away on finding you your perfect "peace of the mountains" in NC, GA or TN.   All statistical information used to create this report was obtained from the MountainLakes Board of Realtors MLS and includes all areas. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. 04/06/2011

With all the nice spring weather lately many people are cleaning up their yards and burning the leftover season’s debris. Before you get started, here are some safe burning tips. Even though we’ve had lots of rain in the Murphy, NC and surrounding western NC, north GA and east TN mountains - we still need to take precautions when burning. Here is the list of Cherokee and Clay County Permit Locations. We also spoke to Steve Baumgartner, Cherokee County Deputy Fire Marshall and he shared these important tips for safe burning in our beautiful mountains… * Make sure you have a valid permit. * Check with local officials – outside burning may be prohibited. * Check the weather – don’t burn on dry, windy days. * Local fire officials can recommend a safe way for burning debris. Don’t pile it on... 04/05/2011

While you're out for a drive in the Murphy, NC Mountains and you'll drive along many roads and bridges that follow some gorgeous creeks and rivers that flow through these scenic western NC Mountains. So whether you're just out for a relaxing drive or out with us looking for a home or property make sure you've got your camera and we'll stop along the way to capture your mountain photo-op. Visit Lee & Carol Barbour ~ The Mountain Living Team at www.MurphyMountainLiving.com 04/03/2011

Don't miss out on "Take a Walk in the Park Day". Even though it's always officially on March 30, it's always an opportunity for a little exercise and relaxation. Are you stressed out? A walk in the park is just what the doctor ordered as it's calming and therapeutic. And if you're in Murphy, NC you can join us downtown at River Walk along the Hiwassee River. It's a great way to spend your lunch break or even after a busy work day, since walking can help clear your mind and re-energize you too!  What better way to celebrate the day and any excuse to get outside and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and outdoor activities here in Cherokee County, NC. See you on the path! 03/29/2011

Cherokee County Chronology Cherokee county is in the western part of North Carolina has had a long and interesting history.The following chronology of events notes highlights since 1820. 1820-The Baptist Church established mission school and church at Old Natchez Town on the Hiwassee river. 1830-Col. A.R.S. Hunter built an Indian trading Post,at present of Murphy,called Huntersville. 1835-First post office opened under the name of Huntington with A.R.S. Hunter as its first postmaster. 1838-Fort Butler established as headquarters for the removal of the Cherokee Indians over the famous "Trail of Tears." 1839-Cherokee County formed from a portion of Macon County. 1840- Census of 1840 shows county with a population of 3,427. 1841-Murphy incorporated as county seat of  cherokee county. 1843-... 03/28/2011

  Do you love classic burgers, classic cars and classic rock n' roll?  There's a new restaurant that features all three coming to the mountains of Murphy, North Carolina in April.  T Bird's Roadhouse at 269 Valley River Avenue in downtown Murphy, North Carolina 28906 will feature casual dining with a menu that includes everyone's favorite home-cooked, comfort foods. Located just a block from the Cherokee County Courthouse in historic downtown Murphy, T Bird's Roadhouse will be open for lunch and dinner. Inside, there's a stage for live entertainment and a jukebox where you can play "Stump the DJ." You'll  win T Bird's T Bills to spend at the restaurant if you name a song from the 1960's, 70's or 80's that isn't on their playlist! Outside you'll find a brand new courtyard to enjoy dinin... 03/24/2011

  We look forward to seeing you there!!! 03/21/2011

    Well, there aren't many words to describe the TROOPER CHAD LECROY MEMORIAL RIDE held on Saturday, March 12th in Atlanta, Georgia.  The one word that comes to mind is "WOW" and, in this case, less is more.       Planned by a local Motorcycle Club to honor this Trooper slain in the line of duty, it was attended by riders from a variety of motorcycle and riding clubs all over the southeast. As members of the Lake Blue Ridge Chapter of the Southern Cruisers Riding Club, we were proud to ride in support of this cause and represent the SCRC.      It is highly likely that this event set a record for the number of riders/chapters representing the State Of Georgia SCRC for a single charity event with approximately 195 bikes representing 25 of the 31 Georgia SCRC Chapters.  There were over 70... 03/20/2011