On Tuesday morning, Oct. 21, Barbara Corcoran spoke with Matt Lauer on the Today Show about the latest statistics in the housing market nationwide.  By examining several variables, she concluded that the answer is "NO" for the country as a whole. I decided to apply her checklist to the housing market in Murphy, North Carolina to see how we fare based the same criteria.  Unemployment rate is nearing 10% - Our rate in Cherokee County has been above 10% for over a year now, and has actually come down recently. There's a large inventory of unsold homes - Our inventory is large, but the total nmber of homes on the market has been dropping Home sellers are on the sidelines - Many people who tried to sell their homes and couldn't have decided to rent their Murphy and Cherokee County properties... 10/21/2009

    WE'VE  LISTED OVER $5 MILLION  OF REAL ESTATE                        IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS    WITH OUR FLAT FEE LISTINGS IN MURPHY, NORTH CAROLINA              YOUR NEIGHBORS ARE SAVING  OVER              $175,000 IN COMMISSIONS      And many of them are getting MORE than they did from their previous broker !     MORE INTERNET EXPOSURE - including the website I initiated to get Murphy included in Forbes magazine as one of the top 10 places to buy a vacation home MORE SERVICE - We are full-time agents with an office open 7 days a week    MORE EXPOSURE - Our prime office location in a cozy log cabin on busy Hwy 64 just before downtown Murphy attracts prospective buyers.  And every day, visitors stop in from the new Waffle House next door   MORE MARKETING EXPERIENCE - I've been throu... 10/20/2009

                           Have you ever dreamed of living in a log cabin in the mountains?  Like so many Florida snowbirds who are drawn back to the comfort of a place with four distinct seasons, I came to the mountains of Murphy, North Carolina with the image of a cozy log cabin, complete with stone fireplace and a covered porch where Pa and I could sit in Cracker Barrel rocking chairs and drink lemonade.   I have my log cabin but I seldom sit on the front porch.  Instead I'm sitting in the conference room, at a rustic log table with a wireless keyboard in front of me, previewing mountain view chalets on the flat screen monitor mounted on a thick log wall.   My dream log cabin is my office.  There's a wide front porch with the biggest rosebush I've ever grown taking over the railing o... 10/20/2009

Fall is here and the temperatures are dropping. If you haven't already started gettingyour home ready for the changes in weather make sure you've done these.... * Check gutters and clean them if necessary. * Have your heating system checked by a licensed heating/air-conditioning professional. Most manufacturers recommend annual inspections. * Have your chimneys inspected by a chimney service and cleaned if necessary. * Be sure there are no flammable materials stored close to your furnace. * If you go on vacation, leave the heat on, set to at least 55 degrees. * Check the foundation for areas where water may puddle. * Drain garden hoses and turn off any outdoor water faucets. * Insulate any water pipes that are exposed to freezing cold. * Replace the batteries in carbon monoxide and smok... 10/19/2009

Hop on out of that Golf Cart and get behind the wheel of your automobile or motorbike. Just choose any clear Fall day for the ride of your life. Try to keep your eyes on the road as we cover some of the most beautiful long range mountain views into multiple states you've ever seen. We'll stop along the way for lunch or pack a picnic basket and we'll stop on the way at a roadside overlook and have lunch al fresco. The Blue Ridge Parkwayis a National Parkway and All-American Road in the United States noted for its scenic beauty. The Parkway winds for 469.1 miles (755 km) from the southern terminus of Shenandoah National Park's Skyline Drive in Virginia to U.S. 441 at Oconaluftee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, NC. It runs through the famous Blue Ridge Mountains, ... 10/18/2009

Take time to reflect on this past week and all that you've accomplished. Be thankful for the opportunities that you didn't even know were coming your way. Be in wonder of what this coming week will bring and who will make a difference in your life - even if only for that brief moment. Take time to reflect. If you are looking for a real estate team that can help you sell your home, or find the perfect place to live, then you've come to the right place. As former Floridians that made the move to the mountains, we want to serve you in finding and making your dreams a reality, too. It would be our pleasure to help you with all your real estate needs. If you're searching for a get-away cabin, land, investment property, or to make that move into your dream home, let us show you what the beau... 10/17/2009

We're enjoying our Fall here in the NC, GA and TN mountains. Everyday we venture out more and more color is transforming our lush green mountain scenery. We love to decorate for the changing seasons and you'll see many displays like this along your travels. Today the temperature was 37 degrees and it's the perfect weather to be out hiking, biking sightseeing, picking apples at the orchards or just out walking with the dogs. All too soon winter will be here, so get out and take in all the bright colors nature has to share with us. If you are looking for a real estate team that can help you sell your home, or find the perfect place to live, then you've come to the right place. As former Floridians that made the move to the mountains, we want to serve you in finding and making your dreams... 10/17/2009

Murphy, North Carolina and Cherokee County pending home sales for the first half of October are already almost at the level of homes sold for August and September of 2009, according to statistics from the Mountain Lakes Board of Realtors.  There are 27 pending sales reported from October 1-15, equal to the number of homes sold during the entire month of July.  If this trend continues for the rest of the month, the number of homes under contract for October, 2009  will far exceed  the sales recorded for any month this year.                        Mortgage interest rates are still at historic lows, with a local bank offering a 40 year loan at less than 5.5% with no discount points and a one year adjustable loan at 3.875%. Here are the advertised rates at Macon Bank as of October 16:  40 Y... 10/16/2009

THIS GORGEOUS 2BR/2BA, PLUS OFFICE HOME ON 2 ACRES IS WHERE YOU'LL WANT TO SIT on the screen porch or patio enjoying mountain and pond views as nature surrounds you. Plenty of room with a full finished basement, 15x29 bonus room, lots of storage and extra touches. This 2540 sq. ft home has solid poured block walls, Hardi Board siding, and metal roof for energy efficiency and low maintenance. Average electric bill is $84 a month. 2 car detached garage. You're only about 1 mile to marina so bring your boat. Must see to appreciate. Additional adjoining acreage available. $235,000 VIRTUAL TOUR If you are looking for a real estate team that can help you sell your home, or find the perfect place to live, then you've come to the right place. As former Floridians that made the move to the moun... 10/13/2009

Ah, it's time now to spend some time out on the greens.There are many Golf Courses in this tri-state area so you'll have to try some out of these local ones.The Golfer's life is always a hole-in-one in our beautiful mountains. The Ridges For an inspiring day of golf amidst mountain views, head for our 18-hole, par 70 championship course. Designed by Willard Byrd, it holds challenges for golfers of all levels, from beginner through advanced. The course is located at our new Country Club in Hayesville, NC a quick ride from The Ridges Resort & Club Lake Chatuge. The pro shop offers anything one might need for a day on the links. Cherokee Hills An 18-hole regulation length golf course in Murphy, North Carolina. This short layout will reward good shots and provide a fun golf outing for ever... 10/12/2009

While riding the bike loop in Cades Cove we came upon this mother bear and her three cubs. They were just enjoying themselves eating nuts under the Hickory tree not paying any attention at all to the onlookers - that is until this crazy woman with a red bike helmet stood up to get a closer shot. Don't mess with mama bear! I had to back up and just barely got the third cub in this photo. If you are looking for a real estate team that can help you sell your home, or find the perfect place to live, then you've come to the right place. As former Floridians that made the move to the mountains, we want to serve you in finding and making your dreams a reality, too. It would be our pleasure to help you with all your real estate needs. If you're searching for a get-away cabin, land, investment ... 10/10/2009

Our Outdoor Adventure continues and you might find yourself on some of the same trails we were just hiking on in Part 2 Hiking & Camping. Many of the Trails for Mountain Biking are also shared with hikers and horseback riders. Biking is another great outdoor activity for all levels to participate in and enjoy. So grab your helmet and let's get riding! MOUNTAIN BIKING... North CarolinaHanging Dog Trail Is 4 miles total out-and-back gravel service road, combined with to-be-determined singletrack loops off the main out-and-back. There are two fairly long climbs, both of which are steep. The road has a thick layer of gravel in most places.Tsali The  4-loop system offers a variety of landscapes. You can climb 1-foot wide rugged paths or travel flat, well-beaten roads. The four trails...Right... 10/10/2009

 MINI FARM IN THE MOUNTAINS! Spacious older 3BR/1BA home with attached garage on 3.93 acres. All of the property is fenced in and ready for all your animals. Located in Murphy, NC. Beautiful pasture with two small barns and a smaller pen and small storage building. Wood fireplace, wood stove in the garage, well and back up spring. Come live the country life! $219,000 NC #108187 MINI FARM INFOFor more information on this Mini Farm in Murphy, NC contactLee & Carol Barbour www.LeeAndCarol.com 10/09/2009

Six motorcycle riders bearing armed service flags and representing pallbearers lead the caravan that included the truck containing a replica of the Vietnam War Memorial today through Murphy, NC to Konehete Park.The moving wall is a half-size replica of the memorial wall on display in the nation's capitol since 1982. There are 58,260 names engraved on both sides of the wall, which includes about 1,300 missing in action with the remaining names of those killed in action during the war, which spanned 1959 through 1975. The United States began to become heavily involved in the war in the mid-1960s. The wall will be open for viewing 24 hours a day until noon Monday. Around-the-clock security will be provided for viewing at all hours. Tom Valenty, a Vietnam veteran with Marine Corps League, ... 10/08/2009

Hope you saw our first post on the Wild & Wet outdoor activities that this tri-state area has to offer. If not, you can see Part 1 - Wild & Wet to catch up with us. Our next adventure take us into the woods. The North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee mountains provide the perfect place for camping and hiking. That's right grab those hiking shoes and sleeping bags! These campgrounds all have great trails around them or access to some great trails for hiking. The locations below are just a few of the many places where you can explore the great outdoors. Don't forget the camera! North Carolina...CADES COVE CAMPGROUND: There is a beautiful campground at the entrance to Cades Cove and several backcountry sites accessible via the hiking trails. The largest campground by far is the one on the l... 10/07/2009

Cherokee County Chili Cook Off  Saturday, October 10, 2009 Konehete Park, Murphy NC Noon until the chili is gone  Vote for your favorite chili! Purchase an empty bowl, a spoon, a napkin and a ballot for $6.00 (children under 6 for $3.00).Vote for your favorite for the People Choice's trophy.  Judges will determine the winners of the first, second and third place trophies and the Showmanship Award.  Held Rain or Shine. Come enjoy some Old-fashioned family fun! For more information on this Murphy, NC event and other area happenings contactLee & Carol Barbour www.LeeAndCarol.com 10/06/2009

NEW 4BR/3.5BA CHALET IN WOLF MOUNTAIN ESTATES.The builder has spared no expense on this gorgeous home located in Murphy, NC. Features custom cherry cabinets, granite countertops, large pantry, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, tile, many upgrades and lots of storage. Decks and covered porch to enjoy the year round long range mountain views. Attached 2 car garage. All in a quite, peaceful setting. $229,900 VIRTUAL TOUR For more information on this great property or area information contactLee & Carol Barbour www.LeeAndCarol.com 10/06/2009

Our beautiful mountains are surrounded by many lakes and wide rushing rivers so we'll start off with the wild and wet outdoor activities you can enjoy while you're in the mountains. All of these companies offer Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing and Tubing adventures on the rivers. RAFTING...   Ocoee Adventure Center: The whitewater rafting trips with the Ocoee Adventure Center are unsurpassed on the Ocoee River because we take our time and focus on quality, safety and big fun. Each of our Ocoee rafting trips spends 33% more time out on the water than other whitewater rafting outfitters.Wildwater Rafting: Since 1971, Wildwater Ltd. Rafting's attention to detail has made us a leader in the outdoor adventure industry. Providing high quality experiences on our adventure rafting trips is our numbe... 10/05/2009

Fall brings out all kinds of colors and shapes.These are some pumpkins and gourds we found over in Tennessee. If you are looking for a real estate team that can help you sell your home, or find the perfect place to live, then you've come to the right place. As former Floridians that made the move to the mountains, we want to serve you in finding and making your dreams a reality, too. It would be our pleasure to help you with all your real estate needs. If you're searching for a get-away cabin, land, investment property, or to make that move into your dream home, let us show you what the beautiful Western North Carolina, North Georgia and Eastern Tennessee mountains have to offer.Lee & Carol Barbour www.LeeAndCarol.com 10/03/2009

CUSTOM BUILT COUNTRY HOME & WORKSHOP. Located in the mountain community of Quail Cove Subdivision in Hayesville, NC you'll find this unique two story custom 2BR/2.5BA with den/office/possible 3rd bedroom, hand built home. Garages galore- 1 car attached, 2 car detached with workshop above w/ parking & entrance, 1 car detached and a large lean-to. Features include: master with bay window and jetted tub, laundry/mud room, poured concrete porches, covered large deck, parquet floors, gorgeous marble foyer, tile, custom maple cabinets, and many other hand built special touches. Parking and easy entry on all levels. Private yet just minutes to town, Lake Chatuge and the John C. Campbell Folk School.    See this Custom Home  VIRTUAL TOURFor more information on this home and Quail Cove Subdivis... 10/03/2009