The House That Almost Wasn't Big EnoughThe first time Ethan and Sarah Turner walked through the front door, they fell in love.It wasn't because the house was perfect.Far from it.The little brick ranch sitting on a quiet street in Morganton was older than either of them expected. The kitchen looked like it had survived three decades without a meaningful update. The carpet carried the faint memory of several generations of family pets. The bathroom still wore avocado-green fixtures that should have been retired sometime around the first Reagan administration.Yet none of that mattered.What mattered was the feeling.The giant oak tree in the front yard.The peaceful neighborhood.The laughter of children riding bicycles down the street.The mountain views visible from the backyard during winter... 06/19/2026

Can a Homeowner Supply Materials on an FHA 203(k) Project?The Kitchen Cabinets That Almost Killed the DealA few years ago, a borrower called me with what he thought was a brilliant plan."Mike, I've figured out how to save about $12,000."That statement usually gets my attention.He was buying a fixer upper through an FHA 203(k) loan. The house needed a complete kitchen remodel, flooring, paint, electrical upgrades, and several other repairs.Like many borrowers, he had spent weeks watching home renovation shows.He had found beautiful kitchen cabinets online.Countertops on sale.Luxury vinyl flooring at a liquidation warehouse.Lighting fixtures from a friend who worked at a supply house.His plan sounded simple."I'll buy all the materials myself. The contractor can just install them."On the s... 06/14/2026

Double the Family, Double the Fun: How Two Families in Morganton, NC Turned a Duplex Into a Smart 203k InvestmentIt started the way many great real estate adventures do — with two cups of coffee, two tired families, and one duplex that looked like it had been rented by raccoons.Meet the Harpers and the Millers — neighbors, friends, and soon-to-be co-investors. Both families were growing out of their starter homes in Morganton, North Carolina, and both wanted something affordable, flexible, and with a little “sweat equity potential.” You know, the kind of home where you can hear your future wealth whispering from beneath the shag carpet.But there was one big problem: Morganton’s housing market was heating up, and move-in-ready homes were priced out of reach. Everything they could afford ... 11/02/2025

Grandpa’s House of SurprisesA comical tale of family, fortune, and the power of paint.The Inheritance That Shocked EveryoneWhen the Callahan family gathered in their lawyer’s office one crisp Saturday morning, no one expected the news that would send them spinning into the world of home renovation.Grandpa Earl — the gruff, suspenders-wearing, “coffee-at-5” kind of man — had left them his pride and joy: a 1950s ranch house sitting proudly (and a little lopsidedly) on Maplewood Lane.Free and clear.“Paid off, no mortgage,” the lawyer confirmed, sliding over the papers.The family’s jaws collectively dropped.Maggie, the eldest daughter, immediately started dreaming of beach vacations.Her husband, Tom, began mentally calculating property taxes.Their teenage son, Jake, simply asked, “Does it h... 10/18/2025

What comes to your mind when you hear or see the word "prosperity?" Take a moment to reflect and then view the word "prosperity" through the lenses of Feng Shui eyes.  The basic definition of prosperity focuses on financial success and wealth, while also highlighting two particular words; thrive and fortunate.The word thrive refers to developing well or vigorously. The word fortunate refers to being blessed. Many times, people will disregard the connection of thrive and fortunate because they are so focused on the end result, which is to have more wealth.To become prosperous, one of the key ingredients is to be thankful everyday. How have you been growing as a person and spiritual being, or perhaps in your professional career? What are you already blessed with? Be thankful for the small... 09/14/2015

0 Norwalk Rd, Connelly Springs, NC 28612$9,9950.50 AcresBeautiful 0.50 acre building lot in the Pine Mountain Estates Golf Community. The lot is located at the end of a dead end street. It is a great location to build your dream home. This gated community is next to South Mountain State Park and is about 20 minutes away from restaurants and shopping in Morganton. Perfect for a get away destination, or folks that love golf, and the serenity of mountain living. CLICK HERE to learn more about this Pine Mountain Estates Lot For Sale BURKE COUNTY SCHOOLS: George Hildebran Elementary School East Burke Middle School East Burke High School  05/29/2015

 6022 Tommys Trail, Connelly Springs, NC 286120.51 Acres, Burke County, Pine Mountain Estates Golf CommunityListing ID# 9581856 Wonderful 0.50 acre lot that is southeast facing with mountain views and a private setting in the Pine Mountain Estates golf community. This is the perfect place to build your mountain get-away home! Close to South Mountain State Park. Gated community with HOA . Lot # 60  CLICK HERE to learn more about this Connelly Springs Lot For Sale in Pine Mountain Estates  Burke County Schools: George Hildebran Elementary School East Burke Middle School East Burke High School   05/04/2015

  401 Eldred St NE $150,000 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 1,352 s.f., 0.82 Acres Listing # 9581128   Check out this great home in Valdese with a wonderful open floor-plan. As you enter the home you are welcomed to a spacious living room with vaulted ceiling. The kitchen is open to the living room and features lots of counter space and beautiful cabinets, has bar seating as well as a dining area.    The master bedroom is on the main level with a great master bath featuring double sinks and a walk in closet.    The second level of this home has the 2nd bedroom and bathroom and also has a loft area that was designed to be a future 3rd bedroom. There is also unfinished attic space that could potentially be made into additional living space giving buyers lots of future options.    To top it off,... 03/20/2015

3464 STONES THROW DR, Hickory NC 28602 $435,000 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, 2,989 sq. ft, Listing# 9580859   Enjoy this private and secluded mountain home with close access to I 40! This home has all the amenities you desire! The kitchen has lots of custom cabinets with stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops. The open floor plan has a rock accent wall in the dining area and a rock fireplace with gas logs to enjoy on both sides of the room. The living space has a vaulted ceiling with large windows to enjoy the mountain setting and views. The master bedroom has a tray ceiling, a sitting area and private access to the front porch. The master bathroom has double sinks, separate shower, jetted tub, and a heated tile floor for your comfort. The 2 other bedrooms share a large Jack-n-J... 03/13/2015

7175 KNOBS LANDING Connelly Springs, NORTH CAROLINA 28612 Price: $110,000 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathrooms1 Partial Baths1120 Square Ft. Listing # 9575737 Well-maintained home with 2 bedrooms and 1.5 bathroom ranch log home. Beautiful hardwood floors, open-floor, vaulted ceiling, large closets, large rocking chair front porch and covered back porch. Detached 2 car carport, storage building and covered, slab dog kennels in back. Home is handicap accessible with new ramp and hand rails throughout. Enjoy the feeling of being in a mountain retreat while still close to amenities.   CLICK HERE for more information on this Connelly Springs NC Home For Sale.       7175 KNOBS LANDING Connelly Springs NORTH CAROLINA 28612       Burke County Schools: Icard Elementary School East Burke Middle School East B... 11/05/2014

3.16 acre wooded lot with deeded boat slip! Paradise Harbor is a very private, gated, lake access community. The Catawba River is very large and is divided into sections. Paradise Harbor is on Lake Rhodhiss, known for fishing tournaments. The right side of the lot is a very gentle slope, a large/wide building site. Come and build your dream home! Connelly Springs is easy access to Hwy.40. 15 minutes W of Hickory . Minute to Valdese, and Morganton.     Click HERE to learn more about this Land for sale in Paradise Harbor.   Burke County District Schools:Rutherford Elementary SchoolHeritage Middle SchoolEast Burke High School   10/29/2014

3100 HOLLY RD Connelly Springs, NORTH CAROLINA 28612   Price: $129,900 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms1396 Square Ft. Listing # 9578926   Simply wonderful getaway home nestled in the mountains near South Mountain State Park. This home has a wonderful setting in the trees and really allows you to escape from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.Built in 2005 this home is move in ready and really well maintained, combining all the modern comforts of today mixed with the natural beauty of the surroundings. The wonderful has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large family room with gas fireplace, dining area, efficient kitchen, rocking chair porch and large rear deck. The gated community of Pine Mountain Estates has a lot to offer with a public golf course, beautiful views, walking and biking trails. ... 10/27/2014

  5889 Mourglea Ave., Connelly Springs, NC. 28612 Price:  117,500 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms 1,296 Square Ft.   Listing# 9575598 Really nice home on 2 acres in Connelly Springs area.. This home has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with a fresh coat of paint, & updated kitchen & bathrooms.  Some rooms have hardwood floors. This home is great for the buyer who is looking for privacy but still close to the action since it's just a mile or so from i-40 and 15 minutes from Hickory or Morganton. Click HERE to learn more about this Connelly Springs home for sale on 2 acres.   5889 Mourglea Ave., Connelly Springs, NC. 28612     Burke County Schools District:  Rutherford College Elementary School Heritage Middle School East Burke High School 09/29/2014

7000 RHODHISS RD Connelly Springs, NORTH CAROLINA 28612 Price: $125,000 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bathrooms 1332 Square Ft.Listing # 9578458    Wonderful 3 bedroom, 1 bath bungalow on 4.25 acres in Connelly Springs. This home is just brimming with charm, featuring a large eat-in kitchen, some stainless appliances and lots of counter/cabinet space. The living room and bedrooms have wonderful hardwood floors and a fresh coat of paint. The bathroom has new flooring, efficient layout and new paint. There is also a large laundry room on the main level. Outside this home features a double carport as well as a large 1 car garage that would make a great workshop. The land on this property has a rolling terrain with lots of flat areas and is mostly cleared. The new buyer will just love evenings on the fron... 09/24/2014

4021 BUFF ST Hickory, NORTH CAROLINA 28601 Price: $85,000 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bathrooms 1084 Square Ft.Listing # 9578207       This home has been really well maintained over the years and is perfect for someone looking for a one level home. This 3 bedroom brick home features an open floor-plan, hardwood floors under the bedroom carpets, and unfinished basement that could be used for additional living space. It has a double carport and the lot is 0.77 acres. Conveniently located near I40.   To learn more about this Hickory NC home for sale, CLICK HERE.   4021 BUFF ST Hickory, NORTH CAROLINA 28601   Burke County Schools:Hildebran Elementary SchoolEast Burke Middle SchoolEast Burke High School 09/10/2014

The 2014 Historic Morganton Festival is being held on September 5th and 6th, 2014 and features Casey James and Dustin Lynch.     "Come and play in the streets” of downtown Morganton during the 33rd Annual Historic Morganton Festival presented by Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge.  Famous for its mile and a half of arts and crafts, the Historic Morganton Festival always offers free outdoor concerts, featuring a different national Country Music Star for the finale each night.   Festival Hours are from 3 to 11pm on Friday (food vendors open at noon) and from 9am to 10pm on Saturday The 33rd Annual Sunrise Run and Student Challenge will be held Saturday morning at Catawba Meadows Park. For registration, race day details and a course map, visit www.thesunriserun.com. Thanks to their sp... 08/27/2014

  4164 BALL ALLEY CREEK RD Valdese, NC 28690 Price: $214,900 Listing # 9569422 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms, 2352 Square Ft.   Beautiful mountain home, perfect for a family that desires to be off the grid, but 4 miles from I-40. Climb up the mountain to peace and serenity. Chickens, turkeys, gardens, and few neighbors. Gorgeous mountain views! The whole house is knotty pine, tongue and groove. Large master bedroom on main, with French doors to porch. Upstairs has 3 more rooms and an area for a nice office . The basement has a nice finished room with gas fireplace, full bath, storage room, and large unfinished area perfect for pets. Giant back porch on ground level. State of the art water filtration system, 2 fireplaces, wrap around porch, double car port plus 3 out buildings , one wired 2... 08/11/2014

      The 11th annual Red White and Bluegrass Festival is being held this weekend, June 26, through June 28, 2014 at the Catawba Meadows Park in Morganton, NC.  Ticket prices and show schedule are listed below.  For additional information, please contact (828) 439-1866.       06/26/2014

4915 Piedmont Rd Morganton, NC 28655 PRICE:  $259,000 MLS#:  9573296   Amazing 55+/- acres with unbelievable views of Table Rock and adjacent mountains.   Build your own mountain retreat and enjoy a peaceful lifestyle. Spend your days outdoors and then head to town for the evening and enjoy great shopping and dining.   Close driving distance to Morganton (15 minutes), Lake James, Hickory, Lenoir, Asheville, Blowing Rock, and Boone.     CLICK HERE:  To learn more about this Acreage for sale in Morganton NC           05/22/2014

    4164 BALL ALLEY CREEK RD Valdese, NC 28690 Price: $235,900    Listing # 9569422 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms, 2352 Square Ft.   Beautiful country home, perfect for a family that desires to be off the grid, but 4 miles from I-40. Climb up the mountain to peace and serenity. Chickens, turkeys, gardens, and few neighbors. Gorgeous mountain views! The whole house is knotty pine, tongue and groove. Large master bedroom on main, with French doors to porch. Upstairs has 3 more rooms and an area for a nice office . The basement has a nice finished room with gas fireplace, full bath, storage room, and large unfinished area perfect for pets. Giant back porch on ground level. State of the art water filtration system, 2 fireplaces, wrap around porch, double car port plus 3 out buildings , one wir... 09/25/2013