Friday, February 21, 2014

About MEL ON THE MOUNTAIN!

I would like to introduce myself to you and thank you for reading and watching my BLOG about
the Cashiers, Sapphire, Highlands, NC area.  I look forward to working with you! See you in the mountains!  Call me @ 828-507-1171   Save my website address:www.melonthemountain.com

Email me

Highlands-Cashiers Plateau


Highlands-Cashiers Plateau
Mel on the Mountain-Area Information
Mel on the Mountain-Area Information

The Highlands-Cashiers plateau of North Carolina is truly a remarkable area and because of this, it is no longer a best-kept secret in the second-home real estate market. Located on some of the oldest mountains in the world, the Appalachian destination is only a days drive from anywhere on the eastern seaboard.
To understand real estate on the Highlands-Cashiers plateau and surrounding area you first have to understand a little history and why people are drawn to this area.  Of course the climate is cool in the summer but the mountains, waterfalls, hiking and golf enhance the glorious temperatures with unstoppable views. It has been referred to as the “Yosemite” of the east.
Good news! Many real estate experts indicate that it is a sellers market throughout most of the rest of the United States, but here, it’s still a buyers market.
Life in this Western NC mountain area is as multifaceted as its landscape. Envision a small enclave of charming mountain communities set in the southwestern corner of North Carolina and the beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains. Highlands, Cashiers, Glenville, Sapphire Valley, & Lake Toxaway are some of the larger areas in the Highlands-Cashiers Board of Realtors market and affectionately called “little Switzerland” by some.
Highlands is situated on a plateau, which stretches about 5 miles wide and 4 miles long with an elevation of 4,000+ sea level. One of the highest incorporated towns east of the Rockies, the Plateau is classified as a “temperate forest”. Highlands-Cashiers are two “Old World” villages that pride themselves in creating nostalgia for all those who seek nature and refined Appalachian living. The area features some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world and has always been a mountain retreat for southerners and northerners looking for cool, clean air and adventure.
Cashiers is a beautiful village in western North Carolina that some refer to as the “heart” of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located in the southern end of Jackson County, Cashiers is perched at 3500 feet on the Eastern Continental divide at the crossroads of highways 107 and 64. The highest peak in the area rises to 5127 feet at Yellow Mountain and it drops to 1020 feet along the Horsepasture River.
Sapphire Valley, a resort area, is one of the oldest valleys in North Carolina and is located between Cashiers and Sapphire. One of the greatest features of Sapphire Valley is called Bald Rock that looms above Fairfield Lake for swimming and canoeing.
Lake Glenville, about 6 miles north on 107, is one of the highest man-made lakes in the eastern USA with wonderful fishing, boat rentals and guided lake tours.  The lake has 26 miles (42 km) of shoreline and is the highest elevation lake east of the Mississippi encompassing 1450 acres.
Lake Toxaway has 14 miles of shoreline making it one of North Carolina’s largest private Lakes. Surrounded by 4000 acres of underdeveloped land and 10,000 acres of United States forest with wonderful mountain views and wilderness areas.
Who could resist buying here? Combining increased number of sales, low inventory, low prices, and the lowest interest rates in history, the logical conclusion is that now is the time to buy.
This month spring will slowly emerge as buds come out on the trees and daffodils spread sunshine as they sneak out to greet the refreshing mountain air. The area that moves a little bit slower in winter will start to stretch, open it’s eyes and throw back the covers as the glory of springtime arrives in the mountains of Western North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountain.
Future articles will focus on topics related to real estate such as; tips for buyers and sellers, home inspections and construction, along with information on area waterfalls, hiking, and golf courses.
I’ve been coming to the Western North Carolina Mountains for over 30 years and built my home in 2000. Life Under Construction…a work in progress is a book I wrote about becoming my own general contractor and building my mountain home.
Maryellen Lipinski was the # 1 individual Broker @ Keller Williams Realty in Sapphire, NC in 2013. www.melonthemountain.com  828-507-1171.  
She is also a Life Coach: www.maryellenlipinski.com

Sunday, February 9, 2014

SPRING CLEANING FOR A SPRING LISTING


A FEW SPRING CLEANING IDEAS!  YES ALREADY…

1.    Apply fresh paint. A new coat of interior and exterior paint dramatically improves the appearance of your home and makes it feel fresh and clean. To appeal to the widest audience, stick to neutral colors that will go with any furniture, and choose an exterior paint that matches other homes in the neighborhood.
2.    Focus on the floors. Steam clean all carpets, use a wood-cleaning product on hardwood floors, and consider professional cleaning for tile or marble. The walls, ceiling and floors are what potential buyers pay the closest attention to while on home tours, so it’s important that they are as clean as possible.
3.    Make a grand entrance. Consider replacing or painting the front door. First impressions go a long way. Clean and polish the doorknob and fixtures, and dress up the entry with seasonal decorations such as flowers or a wreath. People are naturally attracted to symmetry, so place any accents on both sides of the door.
4.    Maintain the yard. Landscaping has a major effect on curb appeal. Make sure your home looks its best by removing fallen trees/branches from the winter, weeding the flowerbeds, and pruning the bushes. Think flower boxes or border flowers to add a pop of color. Clean landscaping with native plants improves curb appeal.
5.    De-clutter and organize. Keep only the essentials, and put everything else in storage or give it away. Not only will your home will feel cleaner and bigger when it’s not filled with stuff, this process will save you time when you’re ready to move.
6.    Let in the light. Wash the windows inside and out, clean the curtains and blinds, dust any light fixtures and replace any burnt-out bulbs. A room filled with light will feel more warm and inviting.
7.    Deep clean the kitchen and bath. Wipe down or paint the cupboards, clean the grout between tiles, clear everything off the counters. Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks and polish the fixtures. Make sure no mold is present and all smells fresh.
8.    All these tips will make your visual tour look inviting.
OK, so that’s only 7.  This is enough to get your started, don’t you agree.

Let’s sell your home this season.  I’m here to help.

MEL ON THE MOUNTAIN  828-507-1171  www.melonthemountain.com    lipinskimel@gmail.com