David Craven

The recent winter storm has raised a cause for concern for many WNC homeowners because of ice dams. The evidence of icicles on gutters, while attractive, they be a signal for a problem that may potentially be costly. Frequently behind this ridge of ice is often a pool of melted snow (water) and thus the word ice dams. This water that is accumulating can work its way under the shingles and into the house causing damage to the ceilings along with the walls and floors. The weight of the ice can also pull the gutters, downspouts, and even the fascia down.

Preventing ice dams is accomplished by controlling the heat loss through the roof. The solution to this is accomplished by keeping the roof temperature at or near the outdoor temperature. Controlling the heat loss through the roof is done by proper ventilization of the attic space along with having the proper amount of insulation. All heat loss penetrations into the attic including folding attic stairways need to be addressed. The benefit of addressing the heat loss into the attic will also be the reduction in utility bills. The additional insulation may qualify some homeowners for up to $1500 in tax credits. So be sure to check.

There are alternatives to the preventive measure just measured in relations to problems caused by ice dams. Long handled devices such as rakes and brooms to remove snow before it melts. Homeowners who are going to suffer the effects of ice dams and know they are going to get a leak into their home can get a roofing company to eliminate the ice. The roofing company will steam away the ice and then remove the snow from the roof.

David Craven
RE/MAX Mountain Realty
David@DavidCraven.com
www.WaynesvilleHomes-ForSale.com
www.HomesForNC.com

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Gorgeous home in popular neighborhood

Clyde, NC  -  Beautiful four bedroom home in a very desirable neighborhood. Home is in move in condition and is surrounded by a picturesque landscaped yard that is bordered by a stream. The efficient floor plan features a kitchen in the center of the home, spacious master bedroom with fireplace, and family room with fireplace. Family room opens to a covered deck overlooking back yard that offers a parklike privacy. Location is convenient to hospital, college, Waynesville, and Asheville.

Property information

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The National Kitchen and Bath Association recently released the results of a survey among designers revealing the key kitchen design trends for 2010. Several existing trends were reported to be continuing along with the evolving of some new trends for kitchens. Some of the results from the survey of kitchen designers are as follows;

Traditional has been and will continue to be the most popular style followed closely by contemporary. The Shaker style is coming back strong. The most common kitchen colors will be shades of white and off whites and then followed by colors beige, brown, and bone.

Cherry cabinets will continue as the favored wood, with maple in second place, and then alder will continue to gain in popularity. The common finishes for these cabinets are dark naturals, medium naturals, glazed, along with painted whites. Distressed finishes along with light naturals are declining in popularity.

Floors in the kitchens will continue to be the popular options of porcelain and ceramic tile along with natural stone. Hardwood floors will dominate more than ever this year. The most popular countertop will still be granite followed by a close second of quartz countertops. The primary materials for back splashes will be glass, porcelain, or ceramic tile.

The standard faucet will continue to be less standard while pull out faucets continue to increase in use and the more prevalent use of pot filler faucets. The finish for faucets will be primarily brushed nickel. The other choices for faucet finishes will be stainless steel, satin nickel, and polished chrome.

The two most popular refrigerators are the ones with french doors and freezer bottoms followed by side by side. The designers also noted the very popular trend of under the counter wine refrigerators.

The traditional range continues as the most popular for cooking while cooktops and wall ovens are beginning to overtake it. Gas is still the favored form of energy use while induction cooking is gaining in popularity as a means to save energy.

A dishwasher trend is the use of dishwasher drawers giving the user the convenience of washing smaller loads and thus saving electric and water.

David Craven
RE/MAX Mountain Realty
David@DavidCraven.com
www.WaynesvilleHomes-ForSale.com
www.HomesForNC.com

Log home with panoramic mountain views

Waynesville NC -  Beautiful log home with outstanding panoramic long range mountain views. This nearly new 3/4/2 Log home has additional space that can be finished for a minimal amount that would bring the total square feet up to approximately 3200. Bring your camera and enjoy the beauty of this location and the outdoor living from the extensive decks and porches.

Property information

David Craven
RE/MAX Mountain Realty
David@DavidCraven.com
www.WaynesvilleHomes-ForSale.com
www.HomesForNC.com

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Animal Planet has filmed segments in Maggie Valley NC about a cat named "Leroy" who is now considered a hero. Powderhouse Productions was in Maggie Valley on January 20, 2010 to film Leroy (and his owner Bryan Hickman) for a series on Animal Planet that will premiere in the fall of 2010. This past November Leroy, the cat, and Bryan Hickman played a vital role in saving the lives of their neighbors who were in a burning building. The building was destroyed and yet no one was harmed!

Leroy, the cat, woke up his owner, Bryan Hickman, on November 17, 2010 by incessant meowing at his head.  Bryan got up to let Leroy out and the cat ran to the back door instead of the front door where he is usually let out from.  When Bryan got to the back door he saw flames coming out of the roofs in the townhouses next to him. Bryan quickly went next door to get the people out unharmed. According to Bryan "Thank God for that cat, if he never woke me up, I don't know if anyone would have gotten out." A local newspaper has rightly named Bryan "The Mountaineer's Hometown Hero". Bryan Hickman is the owner of Reliable Tree Care.

The Animal Planet segment this fall will focus on the senses that cats have that are beyond our human ability. It is believed that cats have senses that enabled Leroy, the hero cat, to be able to smell and hear the fire, which was somehing that Bryan would not have been capable of.

David Craven
RE/MAX Mountain Realty
David@DavidCraven.com
www.WaynesvilleHomes-ForSale.com
www.HomesForNC.com

Developer clearance

Maggie Valley North Carolina  -  Great log cabin lot in the Maggie Valley Country Club Area. This land for sale in Maggie Valley NC will have golf course and mountain views with some trimming. Driveway and pad have been pushed in. Sewer, water, and electric hookup with a nominal fee. Motivated seller has priced this desirable lot for a quick sale! Incredible price of $24,900!

Property information

Cataloochee Ski Resort offers fun things to do seven days a week and is now offering discounts. Listed here are a few of the ongoing promotions at Cataloochee Ski. Special restrictions may apply so call ahead for details(800-768-3588).  

Mondays though Thursdays (non holidays) still have free introduction to skiing lessons. Free lessons of introduction to skiing or snowboarding are offered at the beginning of the hour from 9AM to 7PM. Qualify when you rent your equipment from Cataloochee Ski Resort.  

Tuesday is homeschooler day with special rates offered through February. A package price is availailable for the period of 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM that is $25.00 for skiers and $35.00 for snowboarders. The package includes your lift ticket, the rental of equipment, and lessons for beginners age seven and above.

Wednesday is family day at Cataloochee Ski Resort. Adults purchasing a full price adult day, twilight, or night lift ticket qualifies for a child 17 years or younger to receive a free lift ticket. Special rates continues every Wednesday through the end of the season.

Thursday offer the Cataloochee Challenge Cup Race Series. The race for individuals is against the clock and the best time out of two runs will be used. Winners are chosen from the top three in both men's and women's division. Participants must be of 21 years of age or older to enter.

Looking for a Maggie Valley cabin while visiting Cataloochee Ski Resort then call toll free at 866-926-3303 or visit www.MaggieVacations.com for your reservations. Additional information about Maggie Valley will be found at this website;  http://www.waynesvillehomes-forsale.com/Maggie_Valley_NC/page_2206462.html.

David Craven
RE/MAX Mountain Realty
David@DavidCraven.com
www.WaynesvilleHomes-ForSale.com
www.HomesForNC.com

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There are many reasons to love Maggie Valley, such as her warm Southern hospitality or the fact that she is in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. Some of the reasons that Maggie Valley is loved by everyone are listed here. Readers may add comments of their great experiences or reasons that they fell in love with Maggie also.

Maggie Valley North Carolina has four distinct and wonderful seasons with snow sking in the winter, blooming trees and wildflowers along the mountainsides in the Spring, the beautiful daylillies in the Summer, and Fall brings the ever popular explosion of color in the foliage.  Maggie is also loved for her relative mild climate throughout the year.

Many have loved Maggie Valley for her location which is closed to the Pisgah National Forest, Great Smoky National Park, Harmon's Den Wildlife Refuge, And the Blue Ridge Parkway (America's most popular scenic highway).

Maggie Valley is also loved by many for the numerous things do throughout the year. A long time favorite is Ghost Town In The Sky along with skiing at the Cataloochee Ski Resort. Maggie Valley Country Club was recently remodeled and offers a great golfing experience. There are many areas around Maggie Valley for hiking including Cataloochee Ranch. Maggie Festival Grounds and EaglesNest are host to many activities throughout the year. Places to go should also include the Wheels Through Time Museum and the Maggie Valley Opry House with evening music performances. Locations that people have loved to go to in Maggie Valley have included the Stompin Ground, Diamond K Dance Ranch, and Carolina Dinner Theater or Springhouse.

A great reason to love Maggie Valley is to the advantage of rest and relaxation in a beautiful location. At the same time there are diverse outdoor activities in the Maggie Valley NC area that residents and visitors alike have grown to love. The Maggie Valley area offers fishing, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, camping, hiking, and going to Cataloochee Valley to see the elk. Visitors in Maggie Valley have also long enjoyed shopping in the various businesses along Soco Road for those unique mountain gifts.

Looking for additional information on things to do in Maggie Valley? Then please stop by the Maggie Valley Area Business Bureau which is located 2961 Soco Road, Maggie Valley. Looking for a great place to stay then visit www.MaggieVacations.com or stop in during business hours at RE/MAX Mountain Realty Vacation Rentals located at 3073 Soco Road, Maggie Valley. Their local number is 828-926-3303 or call toll free at 866-926-3303. 

Additional reasons to love Maggie Valley North Carolina can be found on this informative website;
http://www.waynesvillehomes-forsale.com/Maggie_Valley_NC/page_2206462.html. Infomation on that site will include the history of Maggie Valley, Maggie Valley Festivals and events schedules, and Maggie Valley NC homes for sale information. While visiting this website you will be able to experience the Cliffhanger Roller Coaster ride at Ghost Town In The Sky on a YouTube video. You will also have access to Maggie Valley homes for sale listed with the local MLS.

Additional comments about reasons to love Maggie Valley from residents and visitors alike are encouraged.

David Craven
RE/MAX Mountain Realty
David@DavidCraven.com
www.WaynesvilleHomes-ForSale.com
www.HomesForNC.com

Iron Duff, Waynesville NC -  Announcing a price reduction on 509 Falling Glen Drive, a 2,089 square feet home with three bedrooms and three baths and a two car garage. This 1 1/2 story home built in 2006 sits on 1.7 acre lot and is in a very popular Iron Duff location. The home buyer for this great value will enjoy long range year round mountain views. Now  $290,000 - Short Sale with bank approval required.

Property information

David Craven
RE/MAX Mountain Realty
David@DavidCraven.com
www.WaynesvilleHomes-ForSale.com
www.HomesForNC.com

Short sales and foreclosures for the Western North Carolina area can be searched for on the above websites at the MLS search page.

Asheville North Carolina in the mountains of Western North Carolina is a great location to celebrate the New Years. Listed here are some different ideas of where to enjoy this celebration. Downtown Countdown the family friendly New Years celebration was cancelled a few years ago and has not been rescheduled.

Asheville New Years celebration at the Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa offers a packaged price celebration that starts at $809.00. The package will include lavish decorations, dinner, open bar, New Years toast at midnight along with party favors.The package holders will be entitled to a great night of dancing to the  sound of two incredible bands. New Years day will have a special buffet and a late checkout. 800-438-5800

New Years celebration at the Biltmore Doubletree Hotel will be the third annual Diamond Ball. This is a community benefit event and the proceeds help to support the Junior League of Asheville. The Junior League of Asheville is designed to develop the potential of women, while promoting volunteerism, along with working to improve the community. The black tie event starts at 9:00 with music by Kat Williams. The price of $100 includes complimentary food, silent auction, cash bar, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.
828-254-6508

Asheville New Years celebration at the Crowne Plaza Resort will feature live big band music, dance lessons, and International dance champions performances. The event's cost will run from $39.00 to $399.00. Contact information for the event is Jaya Gamble 828-275-3693. Resort Reservations at 828-254-3211

Asheville New Years celebrations that are being offered around town will offer various choices of entertainment, food, and a variety of location. A good list of places to celebrate New Years Eve will be found at http://www.mountainx.com/clubland/2009/12/31 The best New Years plans are always the plans to be safe!

David Craven
RE/MAX Mountain Realty
David@DavidCraven.com
www.WaynesvilleHomes-ForSale.com
www.HomesForNC.com

Cataloochee is now offering an introduction to skiing or snowboarding lesson free when renting ski or snowboards on certain dates. Lessons will be given at the beginning of the hour, every hour, from 9-7 Monday through Thursday (except holidays) during the season. Special requirements may apply so call first to get further information at 1-800-768-3588. Beginning January 5, 2010 there will be a free any level ski lesson for Men on Tuesdays and for Ladies on Thursday with the purchase of lift ticket for all day, twilight, or night. Call first for details.

Cataloochee Ski is in beautiful Maggie Valley, North Carolina and was one of the first ski resorts in the Appalachian Mountains. The snow seems to stay on the ground longer at Cataloochee because of its high elevation of up to 5400 feet. Several of the slopes at Cataloochee Ski have lights for those that enjoy the thrill of skiing at night. Cataloochee Ski Area is located at 1080 Ski Lodge Road, Maggie Valley, NC.

Cataloochee offers skiing and snowboarding in the Great Smoky Mountains for all ski levels. Gentle and smooth slopes are available for beginners on Rabbit Hill and Easy Way along with a triple chairlift. The skiers at the intermediate level may choose a more challenging experience on Lower Omigosh or Rock Island Runaway and seasoned experts may choose Upper Omigosh. Cat Cage Terrain Park is for snowboarders and skiiers desiring the thrill using rails, boxes, and ramps.

Current information about ski conditions at Cataloochee are available at http://www.cataloochee.com/. Available information at this website will include depths of the snowbase, number of trails and lifts that are open, current temperature and humidity, availability of night skiing, and the hours that Cataloochee is open each day. Visitors to this site will also find information about rates, including group rates and special. There are also available discounts for lodging and ski packages. Private ski lessons can be scheduled.

Information about Maggie Valley including festivals and events will be found at; 
http://www.waynesvillehomes-forsale.com/Maggie_Valley_NC/page_2206462.html Available Maggie Valley homes for sale can also be search from that website including all Maggie Valley log homes for sale in the Western North Carolina Mountain MLS.

David Craven
RE/MAX Mountain Realty
David@DavidCraven.com

The Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 which had been signed in February was an extension with additions to previously existing tax credits. Some of the projects that you did to make your home more energy efficient or an investment in renewable energy in 2009 may qualify you for a tax credit on your 2009 tax return.

A tax credit can reduce your taxes, dollar for dollar, and is different (better) than a tax deduction. Some of the tax credit for energy efficient purchases in 2009 are listed below. All tax credits have additional qualifying rules and regulations. Any tax related information should always be verified with a tax professional.

Exterior doors, windows, and skylights (does not apply to new home construction) with an incentive up to 30% or maximum of $1500. Not all Energy Star models apply.

Storm Windows and Doors (does not apply to new home construction) as a combination to an exterior window over which it is installed. Tax credit is up to 30% of cost up to $1500 for all improvements combined.

Asphalt roofs and metal roofs (does not apply to new construction) tax credit equal to 30% of cost and a maximum of $1500 for all improvements combined. Certain conditions apply.

Insulation (does not apply to new constuction) Primary purpose must be to insulate and does not include installation cost.

Central A/C, heat pumps, and geothermal heat pumps not all Energy Star models will apply.

Water heater  - electric heat pump and solar water heater. Special conditions apply for all three.

Biomass Stoves that uses plant derived renewable fuel to heat home or water. Special conditions apply.

Solar electric systems, small wind energy systems, and fuel cells

There are additional guidelines for qualifying for the tax credit in 2009. The improvement must be for the taxpayers principal residence and for several of these the maximum credit for all improvements is $1500. Several do not apply to new home construction and some do. Certain conditions apply to each and everyone of the tax credits listed above.  Please verify all tax related information with a tax advisor.

Further information about the federal energy related tax incentives; http://www.energystar.gov/
Further information about the state energy related tax incentives; www.dsireusa.org

David Craven
RE/MAX Mountain Realty
David@DavidCraven.com
www.WaynesvilleHomes-ForSale.com
www.HomesForNC.com

The unusually large amount of snow that the mountains of Western North Carolina received the weekend before Christmas 2009 should remind log home owners and future log home owners the things to consider, because of heavy snow, when building and/or living in a log home. Log home lovers know that few things are prettier than a warm log home when surrounded by snow. Enjoying this moment to the fullest also takes planning before the snow arrives especially during the log home building process.

Thousands of homes were without power because of the snowstorm so a backup energy or heat source would be a primary consideration. Can your fireplace be used as a backup heat source?

1.Protecting the log home from snow and other elements is achieved by porches, balconies, and decks. This also creates outdoor living space during the nonsnow months.
2.Knowing the building code and how much snow load the new roof will support can also be important.
3.Large eaves and overhangs will also further protect the logs from the weather including snow.
4.Insulated garage doors on homes with an attached garage will asist in keeping the cold air out of this area.
5.Consider an out buiding to store extra fuel, firewood, or the snowmobile.
6.Invest in energy efficient windows to help keep the log home warm during the cold periods. The extra cost up front will come back as savings during use and at the same time create a more comfortable environment.
7.Consider a backup propane generator.
8.Plan for a pantry for storing the extra food while being snowed in.
9.High quality insulation in the roof system
10.Orientate the log home to the south to capture the sun's heat in the winter.
11.Consider ice shield underlayment in the roof system to protect the log home interior from leaks.
12.Visually check the entire log exterior before winter for possible places for cold air to come inside.

A log homes resource is http://www.waynesvillehomes-forsale.com/Log_Homes/page_2191149.html

David Craven
RE/MAX Mountain Realty
David@DavidCraven.com
www.WaynesvilleHomes-ForSale.com
www.HomesForNC.com

A great place to enjoy the log home lifestyle is at The Swag Country Inn in Waynesville NC. The 250 acre location of The Swag is ideal because the Inn at 5,000 feet above sea level sits on a beautiful mountaintop and borders the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Visitors to this Smoky Mountain resort will experience great long range mountain views including famous Cold Mountain.

Historic log buildings which date back to 1795 were moved to the property and then reassembled. The living room in the main house is the former Primitive Baptist Church in Tennessee. The individual cabins and the Inn are mostly made from tulip popular and are hand hewned. The most popular place to stay is the Terrace Room which has an antique copper soaking tub, steam shower, and its own front porch.

This very special Inn has been built with comfort in mind. There are a variety of lodging options for guest including staying in the Swag House, suites and private cabins, or rooms in the Chestnut Lodge. Conveniences that are in most rooms include wireless internet, fireplace, and coffee maker with grinder. Amenities on the property include hot tubs, saunas, in room massages, and fresh cut flowers delivered to the rooms. Enjoy gourmet foods with a buffet breakfast, picnic lunch, and a four course dinner by Chef Bryan Kimmett. Reservations only for nonovernight dinner guest.

Daytime activities include nature hikes, croquet, racquetball, badminton, horseshoes, volleyball, or just relaxing in a hammock while reading a book.

The Swag in its stunning and secluded Smoky Mountain location is a great place for groups to meet. This includes weddings, parties, family reunions, meetings, executive retreats and more. Experience the memorable difference at this private rural location, featuring elegant and comfortable guest rooms and facilities along with the distinctive dining.

Information about The Swag can be found at www.theswag.com/ or call 1-800-789-7672.

David Craven
RE/MAX Mountain Realty
David@DavidCraven.com

The continued improvement in the real estate market became more evident when a US Commerce Department report on Wednesday showed improvement in all sectors of the nation for home building. The report on December 16, 2009 of new home construction in November had risen to an annual rate of 574,000 and this was 8.9% above the revised rate of 527,000 in October. November 2009 is still 12.4% down from November 2008.

The largest increase of new home construction was in the Northeast with a 16.4% increase from October, South had a 12.3% increase, Midwest had improved by 3%, and the West showed new home construction improved by 1.9%. These are positive signs going into the winter months when construction normally tends to fall off.

There are several factors contributing to this new home construction increase; credit markets are loosening up, mortgage rates continue at record lows, and the extension by the federal government of home buyer tax credits. Qualified first time home buyers can still receive up to $8,000 tax credit and now qualified move up and repeat buyers can receive up to $6,500 credit through April 2010.

The US economy grew at an annual rate of 2.8% in the third quarter. Inflation appears to remain under control and was .4% in November. The evidence that inflation remains under control allows the Fed to keep interest rates low which is very important to the continued housing recovery.

David Craven
RE/MAX Mountain Realty
David@DavidCraven.com

Visitors to the above websites have access to real estate listings for sale in the Western North Carolina Mountain MLS. This access includes the ability to view all listed foreclosures and short sales. Real estate buyers can also register to receive information about properties that fit their needs when a new listing comes on the market.