Happy Groundhog Day from Murphy, NC and Punxsutawney Phil! Every year, Punxsutawney, Pa., and the world waits eagerly to find out if the groundhog will see his shadow. If he dashes back in from seeing his shadow, we're stuck with six more weeks of winter! If he sticks around above ground, then spring is around the corner. Most of us here in Murphy, NC have already seen so much snow, and with more coming, I don't think we needed Phil to venture outside today to tell us about the weather. But as the morning started the world's most famous weather predicting groundhog, Phil, did NOT see his shadow this morning. But just in case you're planning your spring garden...Good bye winter, hello early spring! Since 1886, Phil has seen his shadow 98 times, hasn't seen it 14 times, according to the P... 02/02/2011

Today was our first day at our new office - Coldwell Banker High Country Realty! We've been getting emails from our fellow Agents in the Ellijay, Blue Ridge and Hiawasse, GA offices welcoming us to the CB Family and the Murphy, NC office all stopped by to help us move in and welcome us. We're all settled into our new office and ready to get busy! Lee will be out with Client's tomorrow, but stop in and see me and pick up one of our brochures. Coldwell Banker High Country Realty does three brochures a year so if you want your home or property included just give us a call at 1.866.835.8500 or visit us at www.MurphyMountainLiving.com Lee & Carol Barbour ~ The Mountain Living Team   01/30/2011

Are you looking for just a simple little place to get-away from all the traffic and big city life? Whether you're looking for an older farm house for a great summer garden or a Mountain Chalet with long range mountain views, you'll still find that perfect place to get-away from it all and your own little "peace of the mountains" here in Murphy, NC. Visit Lee and Carol Barbour ~ The Mountain Living Team at www.MurphyMountainLiving.com   01/29/2011

Murphy, NC Realtors, Lee & Carol Barbour join the Coldwell Banker High Country Realty Team! We are so excited to join the CB High Country Family and will continue to cover the tri-state mountain area with offices in Ellijay, Blue Ridge and Hiawasse GA and Murphy, NC. Look for more from The Mountain Living Team, but for now check out the Coldwell Banker High Country Brochure of Premier Properties.  Visit Lee & Carol Barbour ~ The Mountain Living Teamwww.MurphyMountainLiving.com 01/28/2011

We finally made it into our "dream home in the mountains" of Murphy, NC thanks to the tremendous help of Lee Barbour.  Even before we were in a position to buy a home here, we made contact with Lee through his office. He was aware that we were not ready to buy at that time, but I'm sure he went out of his way to answer our questions and concerns about the process. Of course when the time did come for us to for our new home he was the one we wanted to work with. Lee lead us through the entire process and the concerns and questions were minimal because of his knowledge, incite and ability to anticipate the next step and keep us on top of the process. Everything went very smoothly and on time right down to the closing day. Thanks for being the best in the area. We would highly recommend Le... 01/27/2011

Murphy, NC Cooperative Extension 2011 Annual 4-H Plant Sale The Cherokee County NC Cooperative Extension office in Murphy, NC is now taking orders for their 2011 4-H Plant & Tree Sale. Each year the NC Cooperative Extension has this plant sale to raise money for 4-H programs and clubs in our area for youth ages 5-19.   Here is the order form and descriptions of all the varieties available 4H Plant Sale TO PLACE YOUR ORDER: Come by the office or call 828-837-2210. Orders can also be faxed it to 828-837-2172, or mailed to NC Cooperative Extension, 39 Peachtree St., Suite 103, Murphy, NC  28906.  This is a fundraiser and there is no guarantee on plants.  Pre-payment is necessary on all plant orders.   All orders should be in our office by Feb. 25, 2011.  All proceeds from this sale will go... 01/26/2011

Well the snow has missed Murphy, NC, but you won't want to miss this Free Concert Thursday night at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC. Thursday, January 27, 20117:00pm - Admission: Free, donations welcomeLocation: Community Room, Keith House Karen Mueller is one of the top autoharp and mountain dulcimer players today. Her exciting and innovative performing style, featuring Appalachian, Celtic and contemporary music, has been applauded by critics and audiences from LA to Boston. Bluegrass Unlimited magazine has said "Karen Mueller's touch, timing and taste make her a true virtuoso. Her talent and clarity ... deserve a wide audience." Karen won the 1986 International Autoharp Championship and was a National Dulcimer finalist in 1985, both at the Walnut Valley Festival in W... 01/25/2011

Did you know that... Murphy, NC has been an answer on the game show Jeopardy 3 different times for the following: 1. At one time, it was 1 of only 2 towns in the country to be the terminus of two trains lines (Southern and L&N). 2. One of only 3 towns to have an all marble court house. Only one in which it was actually quarried in the same county. (The Cherokee County, NC Courthouse is made of blue-marble) 3. Though not right in downtown Murphy, NC, the largest 10 Commandments in the world is located just outside of Murphy at Fields of the Wood. Visit Lee & Carol Barbour ~ The Mountain Living Team ~ www.MurphyMountainLiving.com   01/22/2011

Vacationing in the Western NC Mountains - then come to Murphy, NC! We have always vacationed in the western North Carolina Mountains and then we finally moved to Murphy, NC in 1997. As each vacation came to an end and we'd pack up and head back to Florida, we were more determined to purchase some land and start planning our future "summer/retirement home." We vacationed in the mountains and that was the beginning of a journey that would change our lives. Carol grew up spending summers in the mountains at her grandparent's home in Yancey County, NC. After Lee and Carol were married they spent every vacation and long holiday weekends they could with their son, Brandon Lee, in these beautiful mountains. Eventually, they just decided it was time to move away from all the traffic and the bus... 01/21/2011

What's that red box in downtown Murphy, NC for? As you go through downtown Murphy, NC you might have noticed that red mailbox. Well, you might be wondering what it's for and we've had people ask us too. That red mailbox was put there by the Marine Corps League and is where your old United States flag can be placed for retirement. When the United States flag (Old Glory) becomes worn, torn, faded or badly soiled, its time to replace it with a new flag, and the old flag should be "retired" with all the dignity and respect befitting our nation's flag. Flags are collected and on each July 4th in Murphy, NC down at the park, there is a special ceremony held. The US flag should be treated with respect when it's flying, and should be treated with respect when it's being retired. Therefore, we r... 01/19/2011

Don't know if Mother Nature is listening or not, but the rains today inMurphy, NC are starting to help melt away our snow. Sometimes a mistake can be a great opportunity for someone -or at least a great chuckle down this GA Mountain road. No matter what the weather is like its never a mistake being in the North Carolina or Georgia Mountains! Let us know what funny and creative signs you have in your community too. For more about living in the mountains or if you're interested in the dressvisit Lee & Carol Barbour ~ The Mountain Living Teamwww.MountainLivingTeam.com   01/18/2011

We sold our home in Murphy, NC with The Mountain Living Team! We interviewed two other companies before we talked with Carol Barbour. Her competent answers and examples for all our questions ended our search. Carol continued her professional approach by providing step by step suggestions and directions from the listing through the closing. Her experience and focus allowed her to anticipate questions and provide answers, often before we were aware of them. This removed much apprehension and anxiety for us during the time our house was on the market and settled us during the final steps of leaving the house prior to closing. There were so many times we appreciated Carol's attention to our specific needs. After seeing the flyers she prepared at the beginning of the process, we told her tha... 01/17/2011

Happy Easter From   Your Western North Carolina & Northeast Georgia Foreclosure Experts!         Follow us on FaceBook to get instant updates.   Be the FirstTo See New Listings.     Register To Receive Our Monthly Newsletter Register to Receive A Weekly Foreclosure Update via Email Please Indicate in the “message” box which report you would like.                 01/16/2011

Mountain Living with just a little snow still on the sides...of streets and driveways, hillside and mountain side, but we're starting to warm up here in Murphy, NC and the surrounding north GA and east TN mountains. If you're ready to start looking for your get-away in the mountains ot the perfect land for the future then let us help you find your "peace in the mountains".Visit Lee & Carol Barbour at www.MountainLivingTeam.com 01/16/2011

Dr. Martin Luther King Day is celebrated on the third Monday in January. On this is day we remember and honor his message, political impact for civil rights and the hope for a better future for all people. This is not only a day for reflection as well as recognition, but also a day of service. What is the MLK Day of Service? Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'" Each year, Americans across the country answer that question by coming together on the King Holiday to serve their neighbors and communities. The MLK Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, the President's national call to service initiative. It calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressi... 01/15/2011

Murphy, NC is looking forward to these scenes around town...It was 3 degrees this morning as we headed into the office! Thank goodness the sun did shine brightly and it warmed up a little. We've had more snow in the last month that we've had in the entire last 13 years we lived here in Cherokee County. So no, we're not the only ones looking forward to these warm and welcoming sights around downtown Murphy, NC...   Hurry up Spring! 01/14/2011

More Pictures and Information Views, views, views! If a long range view from the ever-popular mountain chalet style home tops your list of desired properties then you need to visit Boyd Ridge in Murphy, NC. and this property should be on your short list. Undeniably the best priced chalet in Cherokee County - the owner has just completed an extensive project to open up the phenominal view and the results are outstanding. Showing limited signs of deferred maintenance, it is obvious the owner has gently loved this home and taken exceptionally good care of it. Step inside and you will find the standard chalet style floor plan including a great room with kitchen/living/dining sharing space under a soaring cathedral ceiling. The kitchen features a full appliance package and plenty of counter... 01/13/2011

Celebrate Make Your Dream Come True Day As we start out 2011 make sure January 13th is circled on your calendars. Today is  Make Your Dream Come True Day. Yep, this special day gives us the opportunity to do something to realize your goals and dreams. On this day do something, anything, to start achieving your dreams. Sometimes it takes several steps to accomplish them, so make today your starting point or re-commitment day. With a little effort, they will come true! If your dream is moving to Murphy, NC or the surrounding NC, GA or TN Mountains we’re here today, and everyday to help you get started on making that dream come true. Visit Lee & Carol Barbour at www.MountainLivingTeam.com 01/13/2011

Q:    When are our Murphy, NC  property taxes due? A:     Real property taxes are paid “in arrears” and are due September 1 of each year. This means you‘ll be getting your 2011 property tax bill in September of 2011 and have until January 5, 2012 to pay without interest. Interest starts on January 6 with 2% the first month and ¾ % each month thereafter until paid. The current tax rate for Cherokee County, NC is $0.385 per $100 of your assessed tax valuation. In addition if you live within the city limits there is a $0.330 per $100. Even if your taxes are paid through an escrow account with your mortgage payment you will still receive a tax bill even though the mortgage company is notified too. Contact your mortgage company just to verify that they are also receiving the bill and will pa... 01/11/2011

Click Here for More Information and Pictures Love the mountains but want to be close to the water? Then this is the home for you! This 3 bedroom, 2 bath real log home sits so close to the Hiawassee River that you can fish right off the deck. Located in Beaver Ridge subdivision, your new home is conveniently located not too far from town and with good year round paved road access. Murphy Medical Center, Tri County Community College, the John C. Campbell Folk School and Cherokee Hills Golf Course are all within a 5 minute drive. As soon as you turn down Beaver Ridge Road, you will start to relax and unwind from the pressures of the day. The quiet street meaders by wooded lots and several well cared for homes. As you arrive home you will find abundant flowers lining a split rail fence, a ... 01/10/2011