Exit Smokey Mountain Realty in Franklin North Carolina reported a huge spike in home sales since the last week of October 2009.  John Becker / Bald Head, one of Exit Realty's lead listing and selling agents said, "The office was a frenzy of activity!" "Phones ringing off the hook, fax machines humming, copiers/printers gobbling up paper to write contracts, and it seemed like all the agents in the office were making daily trips to the closing attorney", said John.  This phenomenom might seem like an anomaly to you, but it is bustling here at Exit Smokey Mountain Realty and is continuing right up through Christmas week! We are elated! I happened across a news article this afternoon that confirmed my suspicions about the market at large..  See some excerpts below: Friends, this is nothing but GOOD NEWS, and right before Christmas!

By ALAN ZIBEL, AP Real Estate Writer Alan Zibel, Ap Real Estate Writer - Tue Dec 22, 1:16 pm ET

WASHINGTON - Home resales surged last month to the highest level in nearly three years, reflecting an extraordinary level of federal support that has pulled the housing market back from the worst downturn since the Great Depression.

Buyers were racing to complete their sales before the original expiration date of a tax credit for first-time buyers that was scheduled to expire Nov. 30. Last month, Congress decided to extend and expand the credit to ensure the housing market could sustain its recovery.

"Things are stabilizing," said Pete Flint, chief executive of real estate Web site Trulia.com. "There is a significant amount of buyer interest out there."

About 2 million homebuyers have taken advantage of the TAX credit so far, the National Association of Realtors said Tuesday. The group forecasts that another 2.4 million will use it by the middle of next year. First-time buyers made up about half of all transactions last month, driving sales up 44 percent above last year's levels, a record jump.

"In the short run, its an effective stimulus," said John Ryding, chief economist at RDQ Economics. "If you give someone money to spend on something, they will spend it."

November's sales rose 7.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.54 million, from a downwardly revised pace of 6.09 million in October, the Realtors group said. It was the highest level since February 2007. Sales had been expected to rise to an annual pace of 6.25 million, according to economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters.

Sales are now up 46 percent from the bottom in January, but down 10 percent from the peak more than four years ago. The inventory of unsold homes on the market fell about 1 percent to 3.5 million. That's a healthy 6.5 month supply at the current sales pace, the lowest level in three years.

 Read the complete article here 

 Have the best CHRISTMAS EVER!

John Becker/ Bald Head

Franklin NC Real Estate - Macon County NC- Otto, NC
"Offering Solutions To My Clients"
John Becker / Bald Head - your gateway to Paradise in the Smokey Mountains of Franklin, NC.  John Becker / Bald Head provides a superior level of informed, professional real estate service to Buyers and Sellers of real estate in Franklin NC, Macon County, Otto NC, and the Great Smoky Mountains. You can find every bit of information you require for your Franklin, NC real estate endeavor with John Becker / Bald Head Exit Smokey Mountain Realty.Call 828-506-3719

This page offers you a FREE MLS SEARCH for Franklin NC real estate, homes for sale, commercial properties, vacant land, mountain cabins, franklin nc rentals, log homes, and much more.  You can choose to search in these particular local areas: Cowee NC Real Estate * Homes and Land | Cullasaja NC Real Estate * Homes and Land | Holly Springs NC Real Estate * Homes and Land | Iotla NC Real Estate * Homes and Land | Otto NC Real Estate * Homes and Land | Cartoogechaye NC Real Estate * Homes and Land | Patton Valley NC Real Estate * Homes and Land . You can also specify the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, acreage, and many other features of a property in order to narrow the FREE FRANKLIN NC MLS SEARCH to your liking. Just be aware that the MORE parameters you "check" the fewer listings will appear.  It would be better for you to have a general search and then sort through the results for your "Dream Come True Home".  Thanks for visiting the search, if you need assistance please call or email me, I'm happy to help you.

 John Becker / Bald Head

Franklin NC Real Estate - Macon County NC- Otto, NC
"Offering Solutions To My Clients"
John Becker / Bald Head - your gateway to Paradise in the Smokey Mountains of Franklin, NC.  John Becker / Bald Head provides a superior level of informed, professional real estate service to Buyers and Sellers of real estate in Franklin NC, Macon County, Otto NC, and the Great Smoky Mountains. You can find every bit of information you require for your Franklin, NC real estate endeavor with John Becker / Bald Head Exit Smokey Mountain Realty.Call 828-506-3719

Click here to view complete details and photos            Franklin NC Real Estate * Burningtown Estate

A pristine property boardered by 1800' of Burningtown Creek & 2400' of Cochran Branch! Over 32 prime acres of pasture land with long range views of Wayah Bald! Suitable for horses or livestock, this property is amazing. Nestled in a gorgeous 2.08 acre stand of white pines in the center of this acreage is an exquisite custom built 2000 sq.ft. 3BR/3BA home. This home was hand crafted from the native pines on the property by the Master Carpenter owner! There is a powered workshop in the basement of the home. Basement is stubbed for plumbing & could easily be converted to an In-Law quarters. Also, there is a separate 30x30 2 story powered workshop adjacent to the home. None of the woodstoves or chandeliers convey. Hydronic baseboard heating system.  CLICK HERE TO SEE VIRTUAL TOUR

Franklin NC Real Estate 206 Oak Forest Lane, 28734

John Becker / Bald Head | www.baldheadtherealtor.com | 828-506-3719 Franklin NC Real Estate 206 Oak Forest Lane Upscale two level home just 5 minutes from the center of Franklin NC. 3BR/3BA Single Family House   offered at $369,000 Year Built 1985 Sq Footage 2,300 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 3 Car garage Lot Size 1.18 acres HOA/Maint $17 per month DESCRIPTION Custom built 3BR 3BA home in lovely Franklin NC. This home sports many upscale amenities including oak hardwood flooring thoughout, Walnut trimmed double pane thermal windows, large recreation room complete with wet bar downstairs, powered workshop, all stainless appliances in the kitchen, mood casting vaulted ceilings and peaceful outside decks for your relaxation.. Cedar finish on the outside and architectural shingled roof. Yes, there isn't anything left to chance in this beautiful residence located on a very gentle 1.18 acre property in Franklin N.C. Be sure to click this Virtual Tour link to see many more photos of this fabulous home!   see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - Central A/C - Central heat - Fireplace - High/Vaulted ceiling - Walk-in closet - Hardwood floor - Family room - Living room - Dining room - Dishwasher - Stove/Oven - Microwave - Stainless steel appliances - Basement - Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard   OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES - Vaulted Ceilings - Oak Hardwood Floors - Fenced Yard - Stainless Appliances - Powered Workshop - Close to Town - Large Two Car Garage ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Photo 1 Photo 2       Contact info: John Becker / Bald Head www.baldheadtherealtor.com 828-506-3719 For sale by agent/broker   Equal Opportunity Housing Franklin NC Real Estate - Macon County NC- Otto, NC "Offering Solutions To My Clients" John Becker / Bald Head-your gateway to Paradise in the Smokey Mountains of Franklin, NC.  John Becker / Bald Head provides a superior level of informed, professional real estate service to Buyers and Sellers of real estate in Franklin NC, Macon County, Otto NC, and the Great Smoky Mountains. You can find every bit of information you require for your Franklin, NC real estate endeavor with John Becker / Bald Head Exit Smokey Mountain Realty.Call 828-506-3719

John Becker / Bald Head | www.baldheadtherealtor.com | johnb@exitsells.com | 828-506-3719 944 Timberland Trail, Franklin, NC World Class Mountain Views * Close To Town * Stone Exterior * Garden Spot 2BR/2.5BA Single Family House offered at $137,000 Year Built 1981 Sq Footage 2,500 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 1.1 acres HOA/Maint $25 per month DESCRIPTION Apprx 3000' Elevation Top of mountain view ,very unique house , native stone venier exterior, long range view of the mountains , also over looking down town Franklin,close in, 1 covered deck and 1 large open deck,large country kitchen with cabnets galore,a fantastic find for the money.year around view.Buyer is very motivated,bring any reasonable offer. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - Central A/C - Central heat - Fireplace - Family room - Living room - Bonus/Rec room - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Microwave - Basement - Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio COMMUNITY FEATURES - Garage parking OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES - 3000 Foot Elevation - Powered Workshop with HEAT - VIEWS VIEWS VIEWS - GARDEN SPOT - PRIVATE but not SECLUDED ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4 Photo 5 Photo 6 Contact info: John Becker / Bald Head www.baldheadtherealtor.com johnb@exitsells.com 828-506-3719 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Nov 4, 2009, 5:19pm PST

Franklin NC Real Estate - Macon County NC- Otto,NC
John Becker / Bald Head - your gateway to Paradise in the Smokey Mountains of Franklin, NC. John Becker / Bald Head,providesa superior level of informed, professional real estate service to Buyers and Sellers of real estate in Franklin NC, Macon County, and the Great Smoky Mountains. You can find every bit of information you require for your Franklin, NC real estate endeavor with John Becker / Bald Head Exit Smokey Mountain Realty.

Known for its mountain treasures and simple pleasures, Franklin is full of nature's wonders and a rich heritage making it the ideal place for a refreshing getaway or permanent residence. Franklin was recently honored to be named one of Retirement Lifestyles Magazine's Top 10 places to retire.

The town of Franklin boasts a year-round population of 3,600 residents with a seasonal doubling of that during warmer months. Historic Downtown Franklin hosts two major street festivals each year, the Franklin Folk Festival and a Taste of Scotland which showcase the heritage of the area through music, demonstrations of traditional mountain living and regional food.

Outdoor adventuring such as canoeing, kayaking, tubing and white water rafting are popular on the famous Nantahala and Ocoee Rivers. This area is also rich with a variety of hiking and cycling trails- the Appalachian Trail passes just a few miles west of Franklin, the Bartram Trail travels through the town and the nearby Little Tennessee River Greenway is a magnificent recreational trail.

Set your sights a little higher and experience the treasures of life in Franklin, North Carolina.

 



 Franklin NC Real Estate - Macon County NC- Otto, NC
"Offering Solutions To My Clients"
John Becker / Bald Head-your gateway to Paradise in the Smokey Mountains of Franklin, NC.  John Becker / Bald Head provides a superior level of informed, professional real estate service to Buyers and Sellers of real estate in Franklin NC, Macon County, Otto NC, and the Great Smoky Mountains. You can find every bit of information you require for your Franklin, NC real estate endeavor with John Becker / Bald Head Exit Smokey Mountain Realty.Call 828-506-3719

   With the "buyout" of Media Com by Morris Broadband came an unexpected technical fiasco in Western North Carolina last week. Without notice, 40,000 or more business entities lost internet service! Normally we see this type of outage on a regular basis and it only lasts for a few minutes or hours at the most, but not this time. Minutes turned into hours, and hours into days, 5 days to be exact! Now, as a Realtor in the New World Paradigm, internet access is a "must" in order to do business.  We email, we search, we blog, we train, we attend webinars, we prospect, we communicate with our colleagues, we send contracts via the web, we access our MLS, we do almost everything on the INTERNET! Not to mention that our customers find US on the web and when our service is down.. our RAPID RESPONSE to them is TURNED OFF... bye bye Customer!   Frustrations and tempers reached a boiling point in WNC last week as this seemingly momentary outage turned into days... So what to do? Thank God for capitalism and competition! I got on the phone and called a local Franklin NC  company called D-NET and spoke to a man named Dave Jones. Within 30 minutes of speaking to Mr. Jones, there was a team of "install" professionals in my EXIT SMOKEY MOUNTAIN REALTY office and in 30 minutes we were BACK ONLINE.. and BACK IN BUSINESS while the rest of FRANKLIN NC and WNC who were Media Com/Morris Broadband customers remained in THE DARK!  Sometimes we just don't realize how dependent we are on these services until they are shut off. Think about it for a moment, when was the last time your PC went down and you had a customer walking in the door to view listings online with you?  Do you have a BACK UP PLAN in place for the likely event of an internet outage, a power outage, a PC CRASH? It would be my suggestion that you start to source the vendors in your local market who can help you put a plan together in case one of these unfortunate events take place in your market area. Find out who is the best computer repair person, the best internet provider, the best generator vendor, and start a relationship with them NOW.  Searching for them in times of crisis is almost impossible because everyone else is pulling on them at the same time.  You just might find yourself at the front of the line if you have an "understanding" with them BEFORE an event takes place.  You'll be GLAD YOU DID.

Franklin NC Real Estate - Macon County NC- Otto,NC
"Offering Solutions To My Clients"
John Becker / Bald Head - your gateway to Paradise in the Smokey Mountains of Franklin, NC.John Becker / Bald Head,provides a superior level of informed, professional real estate service to Buyers and Sellers of real estate in Franklin NC, Macon County, and the Great Smoky Mountains. You can find every bit of information you require for your Franklin, NC real estate endeavor with John Becker / Bald Head Exit Smokey Mountain Realty.Call 828-506-3719

Franklin Stats & Trends

Franklin NC Real Estate - Macon County NC- Otto,NC
"Offering Solutions To My Clients"
John Becker / Bald Head - your gateway to Paradise in the Smokey Mountains of Franklin, NC.John Becker / Bald Head,provides a superior level of informed, professional real estate service to Buyers and Sellers of real estate in Franklin NC, Macon County, and the Great Smoky Mountains. You can find every bit of information you require for your Franklin, NC real estate endeavor with John Becker / Bald Head Exit Smokey Mountain Realty.Call 828-506-3719

 Real Estate Internet Marketing Strategy Training in Franklin NC

John Becker / Bald Head will begin to teach internet marketing strategy to the associate brokers at Exit Smokey Mountain Realty in Franklin NC. "The Teaching" is the product of Key Yessaad, the master web trainer for Exit franchises nationwide. It is said that as you learn new information and techniques, you should begin to share the concepts with others immediately. The attendees will learn about web strategies, blogging, Googlemania, Links and more. The classes will be held at Exit Smokey Mountain Realty at a time to be determined. Ellen Goldstein, Kathy Clifton, Sherry Freimuth, Randy Reed, and Helen Gilstrap will be attending.

"Dear Key, I wanted to let you know that your training has impacted my business’s GOOGLE visibility tremendously. I attended two of your trainings and APPLIED everything you taught with the result that I am now dominating my local area on Google searches… I’m actually taking the first TWO pages.. I have spent the last 2 years in total frustration at HOW TO DO this, and when you came to Franklin, you brought “THE LIGHT with you! Thanks Key for sharing this knowledge, I look forward to more “skull sessions” in the near future.. If you have students “IN DOUBT”, have them Google: john becker bald head, or Franklin nc real estate .. let the magic begin! Key, I also wanted to thank you for making this training AFFORDABLE to ANYONE who wants to learn this aspect of web marketing. I’ve seen so many other “web trainers” who charge astronomical fees with less than satisfactory results." - John Becker / Bald Head - Franklin NC. Attended Real Estate Web and Blogging Strategy Trainings. Franklin NC Real Estate - Macon County NC- Otto,NC "Offering Solutions To My Clients" John Becker / Bald Head - your gateway to Paradise in the Smokey Mountains of Franklin, NC.John Becker / Bald Head,providesa superior level of informed, professional real estate service to Buyers and Sellers of real estate in Franklin NC, Macon County, and the Great Smoky Mountains. You can find every bit of information you require for your Franklin, NC real estate endeavor with John Becker / Bald Head Exit Smokey Mountain Realty.Call 828-506-3719

Key Yessaad – Real Estate Trainer & Internet Strategist.
To train, inspire, and empower Real Estate Professionals to succeed is my passion.

                                               MANY MORE PHOTOS AND INFORMATION HERE

Franklin NC Real Estate - Macon County NC- Otto,NC
John Becker / Bald Head - your gateway to Paradise in the Smokey Mountains of Franklin, NC. John Becker / Bald Head,providesa superior level of informed, professional real estate service to Buyers and Sellers of real estate in Franklin NC, Macon County, and the Great Smoky Mountains. You can find every bit of information you require for your Franklin, NC real estate endeavor with John Becker / Bald Head Exit Smokey Mountain Realty. Call 828-506-3719

Franklin NC Real Estate - Macon County NC- Otto,NC
John Becker / Bald Head - your gateway to Paradise in the Smokey Mountains of Franklin, NC. John Becker / Bald Head,providesa superior level of informed, professional real estate service to Buyers and Sellers of real estate in Franklin NC, Macon County, and the Great Smoky Mountains. You can find every bit of information you require for your Franklin, NC real estate endeavor with John Becker / Bald Head Exit Smokey Mountain Realty. Call 828-506-3719

       Bald Head's Positive Swing

 I am sure that the past year's economic circumstances have undoubtedly tested you. For some folks, fear caused them to sit on the sidelines. Fortunately, I have been witness some incredible success stories despite the economy. The key to succeeding in a down market is to find the opportunity that everyone else overlooks!

Instead of focusing on the negative side of the news, I want to call your attention to the incredible reports that are becoming more frequent:

· In April existing home sales increased 2.9%

· In March Fannie Mae eased their restrictions on second homes and investment property from 4 to 10;

· In March, April and May, retailers have seen spending growth and observed better than expected sales; and in May, both Ben Bernanke and Alan Greenspan agreed that the economy is turning upward.

· In May consumer confidence hit an 8 month high and the NASDAQ posted a 30% rebound compared to the 2008 lows;

· On June 12th the DOW posted a year-to-date positive return;

· $8000 Tax Credit for first time home buyers has spurred the market into overdrive.

· Foreclosures are being gobbled up by savvy investors which is stabilizing the home buyer market nationally.

· Interest rates are still very attractive

· Home prices have come down and are very affordable to working Americans.

· Housing Starts up in 17% New home construction jumped by a better-than-expected 17 percent in May, the Commerce Department reported Tuesday, which would put the annual pace of housing starts at 532,000 units.

1. Banks are dumping foreclosed properties for pennies on the dollar and this is attracting "cash laden" buyers looking for cute rate bargains.
2. First Time Home Buyers are appearing in great number armed with government incentives such as the $8000 tax credit, plunging home prices, and super low interest rates. These incentives are just too good to pass up for some.

If you haven't experienced "Pickin on the Square"in Franklin NC, then one of life's simplest pleasures is in your immediate future!  This is one of the coolest events that happen in Franklin! The Town blocks off Main Street so that the people can bring lawn chairs or what have you.. and sit in the court house square and listen to good live music or OPEN MIKE...shhhhh... what is said in Franklin, stays in Franklin! You'll love the atmosphere, street vendors, food, and novelities... C'mon out and join your new friends at Pickin' on the Square!

 
     photos courtesy Linda Mathias

Pickin' on the Square is just another one of Franklin's simple pleasures. Fun, free, weekly entertainment on just about every Saturday night throughout the summer.

   FREE ** Bring your family, Bring your friends, Bring a chair. ** FREE

Remember the fun begins at 6:30 PM with open mike, so you can show off your talent or the lack thereof, whichever the case. The main entertainment will begin at, or around, 7:30 PM so bring a chair and leave your cares, and spend an evening under the stars at Pickin' On The Square. (For more information call 828-524-2516)

Franklin NC Real Estate - Macon County NC- Otto,NC
John Becker / Bald Head - your gateway to Paradise in the Smokey Mountains of Franklin, NC. John Becker / Bald Head,  provides a superior level of informed, professional real estate service to Buyers and Sellers of real estate in Franklin NC, Macon County, and the Great Smoky Mountains.  You can find every bit of information you require for your Franklin, NC real estate endeavor with John Becker / Bald Head Exit Smokey Mountain Realty.Call 828-506-3719..

I am excited today to learn that I am one of the TOP 10 PRODUCING AGENTS in the state of NC for EXIT REALTY!   Yes, I’m excited, but I want to make sure I share the credit with you!  Did you know that 90% of my business is referral based and that it is because you and people like you referred your friends and associates to me and helped me achieve this ranking?  Thank you!  Again, Thank You…  I’m not paying much attention to the main stream media at all these days.  I’ve decided that there is plenty of business to be had, if one will just turn up the heat and go find it.. And when you find it.. serve it well.  Everything else will take care of its self…  Below is the ranking table for this achievement that we share together..

NORTH CAROLINA

TOP TEN AGENTS IN TRANSACTION SIDES CLOSED

JANUARY 1 THROUGH MAY 30, 2009

RANK AGENT OFFICE

1 Stephanie Gasparovic Exit Homeplace Realty Assoc. - Hampstead

2 Nicole Hayden Exit Realty Platinum

3 Alexis Pierson Exit Homeplace Realty Assoc.

4 Clint Jacques Exit Mountain Realty

5 Ruth Watts Exit Mountain Realty

6 Christina Asbury Exit Homeplace Realty Assoc.

7 Kathlene Vetten Exit Realty Mountain View Properties -

8 Krista Cutler Exit Realty South

9 Debra Futch Exit Homeplace Realty Associates - Burgaw

10 John Becker Exit Smokey Mountain Realty

Would you do me a favor and visit my website www.baldheadtherealtor.com  and let me know if you think I should make any changes, subtractions or additions that would make it more “user friendly”?  I’d appreciate it!  Again, thanks for being my partner here in Franklin, NC,  I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!

Best Regards,

John Becker / Bald Head

Franklin NC Real Estate - Macon County NC- Otto,NC
John Becker / Bald Head - your gateway to Paradise in the Smokey Mountains of Franklin, NC. John Becker / Bald Head,  provides a superior level of informed, professional real estate service to Buyers and Sellers of real estate in Franklin NC, Macon County, and the Great Smoky Mountains.  You can find every bit of information you require for your Franklin, NC real estate endeavor with John Becker / Bald Head Exit Smokey Mountain Realty. Call 828-506-3719

RISMEDIA, May 29, 2009-Existing-home sales rose in April with strong buyer activity in lower price ranges, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Existing-home sales-including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops-increased 2.9% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.68 million units in April from a downwardly revised pace of 4.55 million units in March, but were 3.5% below the 4.85 million-unit level in April 2008. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said first-time buyers continue to influence the market but there also is a seasonal rise of repeat buyers. “Most of the sales are taking place in lower price ranges and activity is beginning to pick up in the midprice ranges, but high-end home sales remain sluggish,” he said. “The Federal Reserve needs to help restore liquidity for the jumbo mortgage market by buying these loans under the TALF program.”

An NAR practitioner survey in April showed first-time buyers declined to 40% of transactions, implying more repeat buyers are entering the traditional spring home-buying season. It also showed the number of buyers looking at homes has increased 14 percentage points from a year ago. “This is consistent with our forecast for home sales in the latter part of the year to be 10 to 20% higher than the second half of 2008,” Yun said.

The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $170,200 in April, which is 15.4% below 2008. Distressed properties, which accounted for 45% of all sales in April, continue to downwardly distort the median price because they generally sell at a discount relative to traditional homes.

NAR President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas-Fort Worth, said conditions are optimal for buyers with good jobs and long-term plans. “We have record low mortgage interest rates, a wide selection of homes and affordable prices in most areas,” he said. “When you add the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit, it’s hard to imagine a better time to make an investment in your future though homeownership.”

Northeast
Regionally, existing-home sales in the Northeast jumped 11.6% to an annual pace of 770,000 in April, but are 10.5% below April 2008. The median price in the Northeast was $237,400, which is 9.6% lower than a year ago.

Midwest
Existing-home sales in the Midwest slipped 2.0% in April to a level of 1.00 million and are 9.9% lower than a year ago. The median price in the Midwest was $138,800, down 11.7% from April 2008.

South
In the South, existing-home sales increased 1.8% to an annual pace of 1.74 million in April but are 8.9% lower than April 2008. The median price in the South was $148,000, which is 12.8% below a year ago.

West
Existing-home sales in the West rose 3.5% to an annual rate of 1.17 million in April and are 19.4% higher than a year ago. The median price in the West was $222,600, down 21.8% from April 2008.

Read the complete article here

                                       Overlooked Signs the U.S. Housing Market is Turning

  BALD HEAD - John Becker SPEAKS ABOUT FRANKLN NC REAL ESTATE MARKET RECOVERY

I've been saying for months now that recovery in the Franklin NC Real Estate market  has already begun! My reason for this statement is directly related to what I've been watching occur in some of the nations hardest hit areas as regards real estate. As you read excerpts from this Ris Media article below, you will understand why I have been sounding the NO PANIC ALARM.  My experience in retail sales in South Florida continually proved to me how American economic conditions played out not only on a national scale, but on international as well. When the money exchange conditions were right, Europeans would be dropping out of the sky enmasse to take advantage of the low low pricing on items that could be found in America. This phenomenon is no different in the housing market.  International as well as national housing consumers are out in droves buying up properties distressed and undistressed alike. The result is that this buying frenzy is causing foreclosures to disappear quickly which is having a stabilizing effect on the overall market. How does this effect Franklin NC?  Not all homes that are being sold are foreclosures, many are normal sales that are freeing up "MOVING CASH" for the sellers.. and TO FRANKLIN THEY COME!  Moreover, Franklin NC real estate is not brimming with foreclosed properties, yes there are a few here, not many. And for "house hunters" in Franklin NC, the time could not be more ripe for buying as it is right now.  Home prices in Franklin NC have come down to reasonable levels and buyers have a great inventory from which to choose. Mortgage rates are the lowest they've been in years.. It's not going to get ANY BETTER THAN THIS... So now is the time to buy and savvy buyers and investors know this very well. THE WORST IS OVER, THE BOTTOM HAS COME AND GONE.

Spurred by markdowns up to 80% from market highs, first-time buyers and investors both American and foreign descended en masse in the last three months on San Francisco’s hardest-hit hinterlands as Wall Street and the economic climate improved. They’re picking clean the Delta region’s banked-owned inventory as soon as properties hit the market and are engaged in unprecedented bidding wars even on short sales.

The panicked buying - fueled by buyers’ fear they’ll miss out on fire-sale prices - belies the doom-and-gloom evoked by recent reports of rising mortgage delinquency rates and foreclosure activity. It is one of several overlooked signs the U.S. housing-market turnaround has started in the nation’s hardest-hit markets, which is critical to driving an overall recovery:

Yet the number of pending sales of existing U.S. homes took a surprising upswing in April, rising 6.7% in the biggest monthly gain in more than seven years, the National Association of Realtors reported Tuesday. That increase lags the 9.2% jump in October 2001, but that spike owed to buyers temporarily putting off home shopping following 9/11. See the latest data on pending home sales.

And in an overlooked report that belies the first-quarter delinquency numbers, defaults on privately insured mortgages - where borrowers are more than 60 days behind - fell 3% in April and were down 24% from a record 106,482 in February, the trade group Mortgage Insurance Companies of America reported Friday.

Most important for gauging the strength of the nationwide market is how conditions are improving in the most-depressed regional markets.

With those markets now stabilizing, banks are no longer anxious to dump real-estate owned properties, as houses in their foreclosure portfolios are called, fearing they’ll get appreciably less three months from now for their foreclosed properties.

As a result, they’ll be more judicious about the pace at which they release foreclosures onto the market. The new goal: To maximize the value of supplies in hand rather than unload it helter-skelter and torpedo the housing market like they did while they were shell-shocked by the devastation they’d wrought.

With the banks themselves now somewhat more stable, they’ll also be less likely to want to part with their "toxic assets" knowing the most-scorched, still-serviceable mortgages will be the most valuable on a credit-risk markup once the economy recovers. In fact, the price stabilization in the most-depressed U.S. markets will allow a clearer valuation of the toxic assets we now all hold by virtue of bank bailouts - a modicum of certainty that will hasten the overall recovery.

Homeowners in most of America know by their own property’s value that the spike in U.S. median home values was driven in considerable measure by soaring prices and volume in major markets, especially in California, Florida, Nevada and Arizona. By virtue of their climates and economic-growth rates, those four states have been on the extremes of the U.S. boom-and-bust housing cycle since the 1950s.

You can’t discount how critical an upturn in those states will be, considering they account for 46% of foreclosures nationwide. If foreclosures there are more quickly consumed as they’re starting to be now - fueled in part by foreign buyers who recognize their value - we’ll all reap a return on our bailout money a lot faster. Read the full article here

Overlooked Signs the U.S. Housing Market is Turning

Read more: click here to read the full article by Chris Plummer
 

Franklin NC Real Estate - Macon County NC- Otto,NC
John Becker / Bald Head - your gateway to Paradise in the Smokey Mountains of Franklin, NC. John Becker / Bald Head,  provides a superior level of informed, professional real estate service to Buyers and Sellers of real estate in Franklin NC, Macon County, and the Great Smoky Mountains.  You can find every bit of information you require for your Franklin, NC real estate endeavor with John Becker / Bald Head Exit Smokey Mountain Realty. Call 828-506-3719..
 

The new exit strategy: A short sale

Franklin NC Real Estate Sales to benefit from $8000 Tax Credit

News from the National Association of Realtors website that will have a great and positive impact on the Franklin NC  economy. I can tell you that real estate sales and activity in Franklin is picking up briskly. My collegues around Franklin are reporting the same increase as I am.

Are Banks Making Short Sales a Long Process?
Short sales are making up a larger percentage of distressed home listings in several of the harder hit markets around the country. Local real estate agents say banks are continuing to drag their feet on approval.
http://rismedia.com/2009-05-10/are-banks-making-short-sales-a-long-process/

The first piece of federal legislation related to defective Chinese drywall has been passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, a local Florida newspaper reports. The bill calls for an investigation into the effect of defective Chinese drywall on foreclosures.
http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2009051106?OpenDocument


Despite Downturn, Visitor Spending Increases
Travelers in North Carolina spent $16.9 billion in 2008, and the state became the sixth most visited in the nation, according to recent reports. Visitor spending increased 2.1 percent from a record $16.5 billion in 2007.
http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/stories/2009/05/11/daily27.html

FRANKLIN NC REAL ESTATE: FACTS AND FIGURES OF INTEREST FOR "BUYERS&SELLERS"

Franklin NC is an incorporated town located in Franklin Township, within the Nantahala National Forest, in Macon County, North Carolina. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 3,490. It is the county seat of Macon County. The Franklin, North Carolina area is rich in gems and minerals and is known as the "Gem Capital of The World."

Main Street, Franklin, NC

Location of Franklin, North Carolina

Coordinates: 35°10'52?N 83°22'54?W / 35.18111°N 83.38167°W / 35.18111; -83.38167

Geography

Franklin is located at 35°10'52?N 83°22'54?W / 35.18111°N 83.38167°W / 35.18111; -83.38167 (35.181144, -83.381685)[5].

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.9 square miles (10.0 km²), of which, 3.8 square miles (9.9 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km²) of it (0.78%) is water.

The Cullasaja River from Highlands flows into the Little Tennessee River in Franklin.

Demographics

As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 3,490 people, 1,627 households, and 899 families residing in the town. The population density was 911.2 people per square mile (351.8/km²). There were 1,916 housing units at an average density of 500.2/sq mi (193.2/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 95.42% White, 1.98% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.63% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.49% from other races, and 1.15% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.01% of the population.

There were 1,627 households out of which 24.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.7% were married couples living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.7% were non-families. 40.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 22.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.08 and the average family size was 2.79.

In the town the population was spread out with 21.3% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 23.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 79.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $21,534, and the median income for a family was $30,426. Males had a median income of $25,066 versus $18,472 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,129. About 15.2% of families and 20.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.4% of those under age 18 and 16.2% of those age 65 or over.

Growth and Cost of Living

Franklin is experiencing a growth in its population that is 12% higher than the national average. [6] Located within the Great Smoky Mountains, Franklin is situated 1 hour from Asheville, North Carolina, 2 hours from Atlanta, Georgia, 2 hours from Knoxville, Tennessee and 2 hours from Greenville, South Carolina. Due its proximity to these urban areas and its rural feel, Franklin is fast-becoming the location of choice for those seeking retirement, recreational, permanent, or second homes. The 2008 cost of living index in Franklin: 89.1 (less than average, U.S. average is 100).

Climate

Monthly normal and record high and low temperatures [8]
Mon.	Avg. High	Avg. Low	Avg.	Rec. High	Rec. Low
Jan	48 °F	24 °F	36 °F	78 °F	-15 °F
Feb	53 °F	26 °F	39 °F	78 °F	-5 °F
Mar	60 °F	32 °F	46 °F	85 °F	-5 °F
Apr	69 °F	39 °F	54 °F	91 °F	17 °F
May	76 °F	49 °F	62 °F	91 °F	25 °F
Jun	81 °F	57 °F	69 °F	97 °F	34 °F
Jul	85 °F	62 °F	73 °F	101 °F	45 °F
Aug	83 °F	61 °F	72 °F	99 °F	40 °F
Sep	78 °F	55 °F	67 °F	98 °F	27 °F
Oct	69 °F	42 °F	56 °F	91 °F	15 °F
Nov	60 °F	33 °F	46 °F	82 °F	3 °F
Dec	50 °F	26 °F	38 °F	78 °F	-8 °F

Franklin is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the lower 80's and very cold during winter when temperatures tend to dip to upper 20's.

The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 84.50 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 24.00 degrees Fahrenheit.

Temperature variations between night and day tend to be moderate during summer with a difference that can reach 22 degrees Fahrenheit, and moderate during winter with an average difference of 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

The annual average precipitation in Franklin is 54.47 inches and rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is March with an average rainfall of 5.76 Inches

Recreation

Hiking

The mountains surrounding Franklin are lined with many hiking trails including the famous Appalachian Trail. The AT runs north and south only 10 miles west of Franklin and can be accessed at many locations in the area. Some 40 miles of side trails interlace with the AT in the region as well.

Another, lesser known trail also makes its way through area. Bartram Trail, named for American Botanist William Bartram, who documented the native flora and fauna of the area in 1775. Bartram Trail climbs into the hills of the Franklin area, inviting hikers to follow the explorer's footsteps and discover for themselves the exuberant natural world in which he took such delight. Both the Appalachian Trail and Bartram Trail cross over Wayah Bald, one of the best known places in the Franklin area for sightseeing.

Gem Mining

The Franklin area is world famous for its gem mining. Franklin hosts the famous jewelry and gem show, "Macon County Gemboree" twice a year, an event that draws crowds from across the country and around the world. The Cowee Valley north of Franklin lures thousands each year to its mines which yield valuable stones to lucky miners. You'll also find other gem mines located throughout the area. Among the native stones found are ruby, sapphire, and garnets.

WATERFALLS

Cullasaja Falls

Cullasaja Falls is a waterfall in Southwestern North Carolina. The waterfall is located on the Cullasaja River in the Nantahala National Forest and is part of the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. Cullasaja comes from a Cherokee word meaning "honey locust place." The falls is the last major waterfall on the Cullasaja river[12]. The falls is a long cascade over the course of 0.2 miles (.3 km). The height of the falls is given as 200 ft (61 m) in Kevin Adams' book, North Carolina Waterfalls[13] and 250 ft (77.1 m) by NCWaterfalls.com[14]. However, Google Earth gives a height (based on the elevation of the water at the top of the falls and the elevation of the plunge pool at the bottom of the falls) of 137 ft (42 m). It is easy to catch a glimpse of the falls as you drive by; however, getting a better view of the falls is not easy. The falls are located beside of a series of blind curves on Highway 64 with sheer rock cliffs above and below the road. There is only one small pull-off near the falls, but walking on the road puts visitors in danger of being hit by a passing vehicle.

DRY FALLS

Dry Falls, also known as Upper Cullasaja Falls, is a 65-foot (20.1 m) waterfall located in the Nantahala National Forest, northwest of Highlands, North Carolina. Dry Falls flows on the Cullasaja River through the Nantahala National Forest. It is part of a series of waterfalls on a 8.7-mile (14 km) stretch of the river that eventually ends with Cullasaja Falls. Dry Falls flows over an overhanging bluff that allows visitors to walk up under the falls and remain relatively dry when the waterflow is low, hence its name. Visitors will get wet if the waterflow is high. The falls has been called Dry Falls for a long time, but has also gone by a few other names, including High Falls, Pitcher Falls, and Cullasaja Falls.[15] Dry Falls is located on the side of U.S. Highway 64 15.7 miles (25.3 km) southeast of Franklin, North Carolina. There is a parking area on the side of the road, where visitors can park before walking the short path with stairs to the falls. The United States Forest Service is making improvements to the parking area. The public areas will be closed during this renovation.

BRIDAL VEIL FALLS

Bridal Veil Falls is a 45-foot (20.1 m) waterfall located in the Nantahala National Forest, southeast of Franklin. With a short curve of roadway located behind the falls, it has the distinction of being the only waterfall in the state that one can drive a vehicle under. Bridal Veil Falls flows on a tributary of the Cullasaja River through the Nantahala National Forest. The falls flows over an overhanging bluff that allows visitors to walk behind the falls and remain dry when the waterflow is low. During periods of drought, the stream may nearly dry up, though visitors will get wet if the waterflow is moderate or high. To avoid this, stay in your vehicle and drive behind the falls. Bridal Veil Falls is located on the side of U.S. Highway 64 16.5 miles (26.3 km) southeast of Franklin. Highway 64 originally used the curve of roadway behind the falls exclusively so that all traffic went behind them; however, this caused problems with icing of the roadway during freezing weather, and Hwy. 64 has been re-routed around the front of the falls since. There is a parking area on the side of the road, where visitors can park and view the falls as well. In 2003, a massive boulder slid off the left side of the falls, blocking that side of the drive-under completely. However, in July 2007, that boulder was removed by a local developer.

HISTORY

Cherokee Influence

Long before the first European settlers arrived to the mountains of southwestern North Carolina, they were home to the Cherokee Indian Nation. In a valley surrounded by some of the oldest mountains on earth, the Cherokee called the area that is now Franklin, "Nikwasi" or "center of activity". Nikwasi was an ancient and important Cherokee town. The remains of Nikwasi Mound are still visible in downtown Franklin, marking the location of Nikwasi's townhouse.[17]

While the mound was probably built during the earlier Mississippian Culture, it was the spiritual center of the area. A Council House, or Town House, used for councils, religious ceremonies, and general meetings, was located on top the mound, and the ever-burning sacred fire, which the Cherokee had kept burning since the beginning of their culture, was located there. Thus the mound was a most revered site.

Macon County Veterans Memorial Park

The Veterans Memorial Board of Directors in Macon County are currently constructing a memorial at the county's recreation park in Franklin of the same name, The Macon County Veterans Memorial Park. The purpose of the memorial is to honor the veterans of Macon County that have made incredible sacrifices throughout history to preserve individual freedoms and secure the sovereignty of the United States.

Macon County Airport

The Macon County Airport is located in the Iotla Valley, just north of Franklin, and reports ASOS weather station information as "Franklin" at :00, :20, and :40 past each hour.

Franklin NC one of the nations TOP TEN retirement spots.. click here to read the whole article.

External links

• Official website of Franklin, NC
• Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce
• Franklin Area Community Journal
• The information on this page comes from Wikipedia click here to see the complete article

Franklin NC Real Estate - Macon County NC- Otto,NC
John Becker / Bald Head - your gateway to Paradise in the Smokey Mountains of Franklin, NC. John Becker / Bald Head, provides a superior level of informed, professional real estate service to Buyers and Sellers of real estate in Franklin NC, Macon County, and the Great Smoky Mountains. Call 828-506-3719..