Our blog is dedicated to keeping you informed about not only real estate but life in the mountains of Northeast Georgia and Western North Carolina. It's a Good Life!

 

                       

 

Aug. 14, 2020

Mortgage Rates & Payments by Decade

Some Highlights

  • Sometimes it helps to see the dollars and cents you’ll save when you purchase a home while mortgage rates are low.
  • Today’s low rates mean it’s less expensive to borrow money, so the savings over the life of your loan is significant.
  • Let’s connect to determine the best way to position your family for a financially-savvy move in today’s market.
Aug. 14, 2020

Does your child have nerves about going back to school?

The beginning of any school year can bring on a few nerves for your kids. With some schools in-person, some online, and some mandating masks, your kids might have a little more anxiety about going back to school this year. I did a little research and wanted to share a few tips that I found to help manage your child’s anxiety. ​

We'll never be able to create a world for our children that doesn't induce some stress. So the best approach is not to create a completely stress-free environment, but to teach children how to manage stress and anxiety.

Deep breaths help relax your body and slow your heart rate. Teach your kids fun breathing techniques. Say, “Imagine you’re smelling a flower.” Or “arms up breathe in; arms down breathe out.”

Talk with your kids about their feelings, but be careful how you ask questions.  Don’t ask, ”Are you anxious or nervous about school?” but ask, “How do you feel about school?”

​Teach your kids to imagine their favorite place. Squeeze something like a stress ball, play-doh, or silly putty. List animals in alphabetical order.

​It’s been a tough year, and if there’s anything that we’ve all felt — it’s anxiety. Whether at home or in person, I hope these tips help you and your family cope with the stress of getting back into a school. If there’s anything that I can do to help you and your family, please don’t hesitate to ask.

​Sources: https://childmind.org/article/what-to-do-and-not-do-when-children-are-anxious/
https://copingskillsforkids.com/calming-anxiety

Posted in Community
July 6, 2020

Quanassee Path

Hayesville, NC, is rich in Cherokee history. Quanassee was a town located around Spikebuck Mound, north of Hayesville on the bank of the Hiwassee River. Quanassee was part of the Valley Towns division of the Cherokee. Today, you can walk the 2-mile Quanassee path in Hayesville.

The Quanassee path is a history trail that links Cherokee sites: The Clay County Museum, the Cherokee Cultural Center, the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit, The Cherokee Botanical Sanctuary and the Spikebuck Mound. The first two sites, the museum, housed in an old jail, and the homestead exhibit are located in downtown Hayesville just south of the square. The cultural center is housed in Hayesville library just north of the town square. If you get heated and need a break from the walk, you can stop into Tiger’s to get an ice cream cone or Angelo’s Pizza for a cold coke. If beer is your thing, grab a cold one at either Nocturnal Brewing Company or Black Dog Tavern – all located on Hayesville’s town square.

Spikebuck Mound is located in the back, north side of Clay County’s recreation complex. Clay County’s recreation complex consists of baseball and soccer fields. The center itself has a gym with various weight equipment and treadmills (open to the public) and an indoor basketball court.

If you are walking the Quanassee Path, the treck around Clay County’s recreation complex is enjoyable and you might even catch a heated pickleball tournament. Please note, no dogs are allowed in the Clay County recreation complex due to the numerous activities happening there.

While walking the Quanassee Path is a great experience to learn about the Cherokee and the town of Hayesville, it is also a great path for runners. Since Clay County is mountainous, the Quanassee Path provides a little respite from the steep inclines that tend to overwhelm runners and walkers alike.

So while, Hayesville is a small town, it is rich in history and offers more than meets the surface. We encourage you to check out the Quanassee Path and its historical sites.

 

Posted in Community
June 30, 2020

How to Make Your New Home Feel Welcome

Congratulations! You've just bought a new home...but it doesn't quite feel like your own yet. Often times, your first few weeks will probably feel foreign or feel like a guest but don't fret. Here's how you can feel settled and make your new home feel welcome in no time.

Unpack Your Boxes

Prioritize your list by first unpacking the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms as these will be the most important rooms to get in order. The sooner you get organized, and have a put-together space, the more you'll feel welcome in your own home.

Strike a Warm Note at the Threshold

Set a warm and welcoming tone by having the entry well-lit and clutter-free. Supplement an overhead fixture with table lamp for more lightning, and provide a seat for setting down bags or taking off shoes.

Add Personal Touches

What you choose to put on your walls tells a story. Personalize it by adding family photos and kid-made art - this will give your home a personal touch. Hallways and stairwells can be ideal for family photo gallerias.

Light a Candle

This will instantly add warmth and energy to the home, creating a homey environment. There are variety of candles such as scented, unscented, and decorative ones. They key is not to leave them unattended.

That Smells Good

Forget eating out. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner time, a familiar meal will instantly make you feel at home and settled.

Invite friends and family over for a housewarming party, it's the perfect way to break in a new home. You'll also get to show off your new space! Follow these easy tips and in no time you'll be settled into your new place, a place that you can now call it Home Sweet Home!

Ready to find your dream home? Contact us today!

June 29, 2020

Football!

Friday night lights. This is what it’s all about in our Western North Carolina towns of Hayesville and Murphy as well as Hiawassee in North Georgia. Our teams may be small (1A), but our communities are fans like no other.

Hayesville’s Yellow Jackets play in their beautiful stadium that sits atop a hill across from the high school campus. As a spectator, there is nothing better than the view from the stands facing east over the mountains. As the sun goes down on the field, the sounds of “Gooooo Jackets” and the smell of frito pies is comforting. Hayesville’s field is somewhat newly renovated with artificial turf and gold seats with backs on the home side.

Murphy’s Bulldogs play in their games in their red and black stadium located behind Murphy High School. The Murphy Bulldogs have won several state championships and are coached by David Gentry, the NCHSAA all-time wins leader. If you want some rough and tough football, Murphy is the place to go.

The Towns County School’s football is played in a round-about stadium that is situated on a hill behind Town’s County High School. The Indians proudly support their white and blue. One of the most attended games is Towns County vs. Hayesville. This game is usually at the beginning of the season. Folks like to tailgate prior to the game and the heated contest is fun to watch.

Tickets to the games average $6 per person and each school has a great concession stand. If you’re looking for something nostalgic to do on a Friday night, head to a game.

 

Posted in Community
June 23, 2020

Our Local Grocery Store

Like many of you who enjoy grocery shopping at your favorite markets such as Trader Joes, Whole Foods or Publix, we have our favorites too. We are no stranger to Boar’s Head meats, Bob’s Red Mill products, and expansive produce departments. And, while you won’t find Trader Joes, Whole Foods or Publix in Hayesville, NC, you will find all of these things at our local Ingles Grocery Store (store #116).

Ingles stores originated in Asheville, NC, where its headquarters is still located. Robert Ingle, founder, wanted to serve North Carolina’s more rural communities, not only to provide choice in food selection, but to support our communities in other ways too.

Ingles Tools for Schools is one of the greatest charitable programs that serves our local students. If you are visiting Hayesville or if you plan to live in Hayesville, consider investing in an Ingles card that links to our county schools. For every dollar spent, a percentage is donated to Clay County Schools and helps with school supplies for its students.

If you are vacationing in Hayesville or live in Hayesville, you will always find fresh seasonal produce from local growers. The produce department also houses a vast olive and salad bar.

If you want a quick take-out meal, you can choose from subway sandwiches and fresh sushi. An oriental bar and items featuring comfort foods are also available.

The meat department is just as vast giving one choices from a wide range of seafoods, steaks, chicken, and pork. The wine and beer selections also host beer and wine from local breweries (not sold before noon on Sundays). If you don’t see what you want, just ask a friendly employee and they will find what you are looking for.

In the spring and summer, our Hayesville Ingles has an outdoor nursery where you can find all kinds of plants and flowers to spruce up your home. It is always fun to shop here and see all the varieties of plants. The climate in Hayesville, NC, is just right for pretty annuals.

Finally, even in our small town of Hayesville, our Ingles has a Starbucks coffee shop that opens early and closes late. It is located near the floral department that is always brimming over with beautiful arrangements.

Posted in Community, Restaurants
June 23, 2020

Hayesville Brewing Company

“Hi, Norm!” Well, maybe not Norm, but if you’re looking for the Cheers-kind-of-vibe, you’ll find it at Hayesville Brewing Company located at 516 Tusquittee St, Hayesville, NC. Probably one of the best local breweries around, we promise you won’t be disappointed. This little nugget is owned by a husband and wife team that really know how to get the most out of their hops!

If you are hiking the Appalachian Trail, biking in Jack Rabbit or traveling back from white water rafting in the Nantahala gorge, this is the best post-activity stop on your way back into Hayesville. Pair a cold beer with a Wisconsin Cheese board or their adult grilled cheese sandwich and enjoy the relaxing feel of the mountains.

Hayesville Brewing Company is a Clay County favorite so many of the folks are regulars, so conversation and laughter is never absent. Rumor on the street is that Hayesville Brewing will be moving locations to 1659 Old Hwy 64 E just north of downtown Hayesville. So, check the location before you head out! Cheers! Check out their Facebook page

Hayesville Brewing Company, 516 Tusquittee St, Hayesville, NC 28904, (727) 415-7530

Posted in Community, Restaurants
June 9, 2020

Hiawassee Brew

Hiawassee, GA is nestled between Atlanta, GA and Chattanooga, TN and is a hub for those seeking respite from their crowded city lives. However, Hiawassee is not absent from great food and beer. Actually, the destination is a perfect place to partake of specially crafted beers. Hiawassee Brew located at 616 Main Street, Hiawassee, offers amazing in-house brewed beers.

Their Appalachian Sunset Amber Ale and Carolina Kid Rye Ale are the perfect pours for enjoying the beauty of the North Georgia mountains. Hiawassee Brew is a family friendly establishment where one can spend time playing Giant Jenga or Giant Connect Four. It is not uncommon to find folks enjoying an evening outside at one of their picnic tables playing corn hole. You can also find a table on the outdoor second story deck where you can sit, relax and take in the scenery of the North Georgia mountains and Lake Chatuge. You might even catch a glimpse of the smoking mountains as clouds hang low.

Hiawassee Brew’s attached food truck makes this establishment unique. The menu consists of tacos, tamales, and chimichangas. The fish and shrimp tacos are top on our “must-have” list. The Mexican Street Corn is their best side, grilled and oozes of cotija cheese. For those folks who are traditional in their tastes, Hiawassee Brew also has burgers and salads. The kid’s menu serves up chicken tenders and cheese quesadillas. It truly is a fun place to hang out!

Take-out is also popular at Hiawassee Brew. If you would prefer to stay home and enjoy your mountain view from your own deck, Hiawassee Brew will accommodate. Take out brews are poured in traditional growlers or if you prefer, you can get pours in various size mason jars - Another unique and fun aspect of this mountain area. Menu items are great to take out on Lake Chatuge if you are spending the day boating – fishing or tubing.

During the closure of Georgia restaurants due to the pandemic, Hiawassee Brew remained open for take-out. Their staff was and is always accommodating and very friendly. If you are visiting Hiawassee or plan to stay, check out this special hand-crafted brewery located on the east side of downtown Hiawassee, Ga.

Hiawassee Brew, 616 S Main St, Hiawassee, GA 30546, (706) 896 2739

May 28, 2020

Nocturnal Brewing Company

For a county that is steeped in tradition, you won’t go wrong at Nocturnal Brewing located next to the square in downtown Hayesville, NC. As the square in downtown Hayesville, NC begins to come back to life with several great restaurants and stores, you really don't want to miss Nocturnal Brewing.

The building itself used to be a former car dealership, but was remodeled in 2018 by owners, Grace and Brittany Redding. You will still find large garage-like doors that open up onto a spacious screened-in patio. A side patio is also available for folks who like to venture out with their furry friends. From pretty much anywhere you sit, even from the expansive bar, you can look out at the quaint old courthouse with the Appalachian Mountains peeking over in the background.

Nocturnal Brewing offers traditional American ales, but also offers a variety of specialty brews that lean towards both fruity and sour. A favorite is the IPA “The Hayes.” The “lil Bhang Bhang” is made of Carolina grown malt and local honey is also great if you prefer a hefeweizen. Many of the ingredients for both the brews and the food are local. Strawberries and watermelons come from SMM Farms in Hayesville and much of their beef comes from Brasstown.

What we like most about Nocturnal Brewing is their changing menu. The items enhance the season with great hearty dishes like butternut squash in the fall to light dishes such as their kale caesar salad in the warmer months. Nocturnal Brew also is one of the few restaurants in Clay County that offers vegetarian and vegan menu items. Their tofu tacos are one of our favorites.

Nocturnal Brewing is a great choice for dining out whether you want a quiet table for two or a large table for eight or ten. Nocturnal Brewing offers not only regular live music and trivia, but also special release beer tastings and dinner events. If you are visiting Hayesville in Clay County, NC Nocturnal Brewing is a must stop. As permanent residents of Clay County, we are regulars and love the farm-to-table menu. It is great to know that we have such amazing diversity in food options in our small town of Hayesville, NC. Visit their Facebook

Nocturnal Brewing, 893 Hwy 64 Business, Hayesville, NC 28904, (828) 305-7337

Posted in Community, Restaurants
May 11, 2020

Six Summer Maintenance Tips

Summertime brings more daylight and more time for home improvements and maintenance. This is especially true in 2020, as more people opt to stay at home amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. As you go about your home improvement projects, keep those do's and don'ts in mind, as they can all have potential affects on your home's value.

Do...

Do Replace An Old Thermostat

Maintaining a cozy home temp while you're at work or sleeping wastes money and energy. Upgrade your thermostat to one that you can program for energy cost savings.

Do Remove Cabinet Doors When Painting

Painting your kitchen cabinets pays off big at resale - it's a small investment for a big "wow." But you should resist the urge to save time by painting with the doors on. Because no matter how hard you try, it's not going to look good.

Do Water Grass In The Morning

It may seem smart to water in the evening. But without sun to evaporate it, water is more likely to cling to grass at night, promoting fungus. Instead, water in the morning when the air is cool, the sun is arriving, and there's less wind than midday.

Don't...

Don't Tear Out Original Architectural Features

Custom millwork, tin ceiling tiles, and mid-century modern brick give your home its character, so keep them if you're remodeling (assuming they're not in awful condition.) Buyers appreciate these one-of-a-kind details and preserving them sets your home apart.

Don't Paint Exterior Brick

Brick needs to breathe. Paint chokes it. Pain can destroy the brick and mortar and even cause the foundation to crumble. Talk about a hidden cost!

Don't Flush "Flushable" Wipes

Despite the name, most flushable wipes don't disintegrate, even after 10 minutes (compared to a few seconds for toilet paper). Save your sewer - and your wallet - and toss these wipes in the trash instead.

There's no time like the summertime to start tackling some items on that home improvements / maintenance checklist. What is on your home checklist this summer? Let us know in the comments below.

Posted in For Sellers