Posts Tagged ‘Maggie Valley’

Why Buy A Home Now?

To answer my own question: interest rates are still historically low, and prices are increasing due to lower inventories of existing homes for sale, and lack of construction of new homes.   Interest rates today for a 30 year conventional home loan are quoted between 3.71% and 3.93%.  Interest rates for a 15 year conventional loan are as low as 2.98%.  Interest rates were around 6% when I was a boy.  I did not think I would ever see 6% again.  In the early 1980’s interest rates on home loans ran as high as 14 to 16% for a while.

As to prices increasing, the average price of the 39 homes sold in Haywood County, NC,  in February 2015 was $164,011.  In February 2016 there were 52 homes sold with an average price of $189,781.  That represents an increase in the average price sold of 15.7% in one year’s time.

If you are still thinking about renting, prices on rentals have increased considerably also, due to lack of inventory.  I saw a small brick home for rent last week for $1000 per month.  The home was just over 1000 square feet with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths on a small lot.  This home would probably sell in the neighborhood of $130,000.  If a buyer paid 10% down the principal and interest payment on a 30 year loan would be about $554.00.  Even with taxes and insurance escrow, the payment would only be $685.00.  As you can see, you can live in home you are purchasing for considerably less than you can rent that same home.  Also, your interest on a home loan may be deductible on your income tax, but rent is not deductible.

If you are a bargain hunter, the current interest rates, coupled with the current market , present a real opportunity.

“Uncle Jack” had a VISION!

The history of the Smoky Mountains is rich and colorful. Each town, each region, has stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. Maggie Valley has its share of stories to tell. No matter how you tell the story of Maggie Valley it is a story worthy of telling.

In the EARLY 1900’s, John Sidney Setzer, who became known as “Uncle Jack” having settled in the Valley had the task of going to the Old Plott post office to get the mail for himself and the residents of the valley. This was a long and tedious task on horseback. Growing tired of the journey he decided that the valley needed its own post office. He took it on himself to write to the Postmaster General in Washington, D.C. to ask permission to open a post office in his home to service the residents of the valley.

The word came back from Washington that he would have to prove the need for a post office. He set about the task of keeping meticulous records of all the mail that came and went from the area for many months. He then submitted his records and four names for consideration. Three of those names were the names of his daughters.

Finally, the wait was over. Washington approved the application and chose daughter “Maggie” for the post office name. Thus, the “Maggie” post office was official and opened for business on May 10th, in the year 1904.

One man, determination, a vision, stayed the course of his dream. One man, made a difference for an entire community.

We are proud of  “Uncle Jack” and the legacy he left behind. His story is a true American story that can proudly be told to generations yet to come.

And the rest, for lack of a better phrase, is “HISTORY”.

Y’all come, you hear 🙂

Note: The story goes that a young Maggie wasn’t thrilled to have her name used. She eventually came around to it. She even helped her PA in the post office from time to time. She became a local celebrity of sorts. In the summer you might even see the official “Maggie” walking the streets of the Valley and waving at everyone who passes. Look for the yellow bonnet. Maggie died at the age of 88. We will always fondly remember her in the valley; after all, she is and will always be our official mascot.

Copywriter: “Mountain Dreams Realty of WNC, Inc.” – Please do not copy or reproduce without written permission from Mountain Dreams Realty of WNC, Inc.                                                                                              

AND for the inquiring minds… here is your July Market Report for Haywood County courtesy of our own Danny Pugh:  Local MARKET INSIGHTS for All Home Types as of July 31, 2014

Want to know about the trails, ask a HIKER… We did!

When you talk about the hiking trails in North Carolina, every hiker has their own take on their favorite. All agree that the beauty and the challenges of the area are well worth adventuring out to discover your favorite! CLICK HERE to see some of the Haywood County trails.

We asked our own in-house hiking expert to share his favorite trail. This is what he had to say about The Alum Bluffs Cave Trail:

The Alum Bluffs Cave Trail to Mt. LeConte

“If I had to name one trail as my favorite trail in the Smokies, it would be the Alum Bluffs Cave Trail to Mt. LeConte.  To get to the trail continue on the Newfound Gap Road about 2 miles from Newfound Gap on the Tennessee side.  There are two parking lots on the right to access the trail.  Since this trail is the shortest trail to the lodge on Mt. LeConte, it’s usually fairly well used, and even crowed on weekends and holidays.  I like to go in the middle of the week to avoid the crowds.  This trail is not difficult, but it’s not an easy trail either.  You climb almost 2800 feet in elevation in 5.5 miles to reach the summit of Mt. LeConte, which is almost 6600 feet in elevation.   The trail has though been unmatched in geological features and views.

The trail begins by crossing a wooden bridge over the creek, and follows Alum Creek for about one mile.  Through this first mile you will see large rocks in the creek and several places where trees were piled up to the left of the trail.  A flash-flood up the mountain in 1951 (as memory serves) moved boulders the size of houses and uprooted full grown trees moving them down the trail.  The flood left several feet of water in downtown Gatlinburg.  After about a mile the trail begins to follow a smaller stream, Styx Branch.  (I believe it was named such because it descended from heavy rhododendron thickets early settlers called “Hells”.)

At about 1.3 miles you will come to a nice place to rest and have a snack at Arch Rock.  Water has eroded the large rock and stones have been placed in the rock for steps.  The trail ascends through the rock arch.  Be sure to hold on to the large cable provided as a hand hold because the rocks are often wet and a bit slick.

After Arch Rock, the trail traverses the ridge to the west gradually gaining altitude.  At about 2 miles you will come to a rock with great views.  This spot is known as Inspiration Point.  If you have a snack here, don’t be surprised if the Red Squirrels, known locally as Boomers, come out to share your lunch.  Some are very tame.  Look to the west to find a sharp, knife-edged ridge.  This is Duck Hawk Ridge.  Look near the top of the ridge look for the Needles Eye, an almost round hole going completely through the sharp ridge.  As you continue up the trail, listen and watch for the Peregrine Falcons that are often seen here.  (By the way, the common name for a Peregrine Falcon is a Duck Hawk.)

After a short walk up the ridge, with precipitous drops to your left, you will come to Alum Cave.  Alum Cave is a bluff overhang several hundred feet long.  It’s very dusty under the bluff as rain seldom reaches back under the bluff.  Prior to the Civil War, Epsom salts were mined at Alum Cave.  During the Civil War, confederates mined saltpeter here, which was used to make gunpowder. As you leave the cave, the trail is a bit steep, but don’t worry, as this steep section is not too long.

As you proceed toward Mt. LeConte, you will pass over several rock ledges with cable hand rails.  Hold on to those rails, as the first step is a long one if you slip.   Many years ago I hiked here in the dead of Winter.  You could see the cable hand rails about 6 inches inside an ice flow.  Luckily we had some ropes, and crampons for our hiking shoes to negotiate the frozen ledges.

At about 5 miles into the hike you will come to the Rainbow Falls Trail.  Turn right here.  You will come to the LeConte Lodge which can only be accessed by hiking or horseback.  Guests with reservations stay here in the cabins and are served breakfast and dinner in the large dining room.  Be aware that many black bears are seen here, as well as deer.  Beyond the lodge there is a trail shelter for hikers who have reservations through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Reservation System.

At about .2 miles past the lodge, look for the trail to the right up to Myrtle Point.  Myrtle Point is named after the bonsai-looking sand myrtles which grow there between the rocks.  The trail up to Myrtle Point is about .4 miles.   This point gives the best view from the top of the mountain.  Hikers staying at the lodge, or in the trail shelter, come up here before daybreak to view the sunrises on pretty mornings.

There is another trail which heads from the lodge area up to Cliff Top which offers great sunset views in the evenings.

If you are around the lodge at the right time, you may glimpse the llama caravan.  The lodge uses a caravan of llamas to bring supplies up the mountain via the Rainbow Falls Trail from Gatlinburg.  The llamas must take all garbage and soiled linens, etc., back down the mountain on their return trip.

If you want a really long day-hike, you can leave a car at Newfound Gap and return via the Boulevard Trail to the Appalachian Trail, then right all the way back to the Newfound Gap parking area.  Be aware, though, that this return trip is 8 miles long from Mt. LeConte to the Newfound Gap parking area.

Think about me if you do this hike, for I will be there in spirit, if not in person.”  Danny  Pugh – June 14, 2014

We have a bathroom attendant 11 months a year!

Mountain Dreams Realty of WNC is the only real estate office in the area that can boast that it has a bathroom attendant eleven months of the year.   Why eleven?  In October he stands out in front of the office with candy in his tray and speaks to people if they get close enough to trip his sensor.

Waterfalls of Haywood County

There is nothing like discovering a waterfall. The Smoky Mountains and Haywood County are background to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Come discover, Bridal Veil Falls, Cullasaja Falls, Dry Falls, Graveyard Fields, Looking Glass Falls, Moore Cove Falls, Sliding Rock, Soco Falls, Toxaway Falls, Waterfalls Ridge, and Whitewater Falls… AND these are just in our little part of beautiful North Carolina. Please click here for detailed information about each of the falls. Enjoy.

Bring your camera. It is going to be a picture perfect summer!!!

Hikers lace up your boots because we are going to share some of our favorite hiking trails in next month’s blog!

Market Trend Reports: Click on the report anywhere for enlarged view

Fishing Sportsmen Take Notice

Mountain trout fishing is a wonderful sport. What if you could try it, or take the kids on their first fishing experience without all the cost normally involved…. to see if you like it, would you?

Let’s get you started by contacting North Carolina Wildlife at www.ncwildlife.org. Ask them about fishing Mountain Heritage Trout Water for 3 days for a nominal fee of $5. They also include a free tackle box with 3 lures and a fly or spinner rod. Pack a picnic, let’s go fishing! PS: Maggie Valley Chamber can provide you with the information as well.

Picture this. You spend a day fishing for the most sought after trout in the land. You have your prize and you head home. You prepare the fish and the smell permeates the air. Just as you sit down to your meal, the sun sets on the Smoky Mountains, a peace comes over you and you know you are HOME. Ok, enough of that.

Best darn trout you have ever tasted!!!

For those already hooked!!!! NC residents, fishing license are only $20 annually. Nonresidents $30 or you can purchase a 10 day license for only $10…. Folks, that’s only $1 a day to catch some of the most mouth watering fish from a beautiful rushing mountain stream.

If you are on the Cherokee Indian Reservation there is no fishing license required. Be aware that there is a $7 per day tribal permit.

Now you know we had to say it: *Prices subject to change, the prices quoted are current. Please check with the NC Wildlife office before you make your trip.

Click HERE for a glimpse into Haywood County.. We hope you enjoy.

Bragging Rights

From history to the great outdoors, there is something to do in Maggie Valley, North Carolina year round.

Make 2014 your year to visit this mountain treasure we call home.

Some of our suggestions:

Spend a quiet day on a Maggie Valley deck or porch and let the beauty of the surroundings relax you.

Seeking outdoor adventure? Hike, fish in a mountain stream, go horseback riding through the mountains, discover one of our many waterfalls, go on a picnic, photograph the abundant nature, play bingo in our outdoor pavilion, bring a chair and enjoy an outdoor concert under the stars.  See the historic grave sites of Haywood County.

Indoors: Visit the Wheels Through Time Museum, the Maggie Valley Opry House, the famous Stompin’ Ground for world class clogging, or dance the night away at the Diamond K.

Winter: Ski, tube, and snowboarding. Sumner: Visit the famous Ghost Town in the Sky Amusement Park.

Does it sound like we’re bragging? We guess we are! The list can go on and on, but you get the idea, there is plenty to do in Maggie Valley and we look forward to seeing you anytime.

Report-click on:  Market Overview by Price- SFR-Cond-TH- Haywood County as of March 31, 2014

Our Mountain Heritage

There are many colorful tales that flow out of the Appalachian heritage. Marvin Sutton was one of those tales. Marvin was originally from Maggie Valley, NC. He became recognized as “Popcorn” Sutton. He was a moonshiner, bootlegger if you will. He was born on October 5 1946. He met his demise, by his own hand, on March 16, 2009. Sadly, he committed suicide to avoid a prison sentence.

Popcorn Sutton disagreed with the federal regime. He was able to “outrun” law enforcement most of the time. He told folks he felt it was his mountain heritage that gave him the right to do what he did.

He wrote a self-published autobiographical guide to moonshine production. He even produced a home made movie. His story was featured in a documentary that won a Regional Emmy Award.

If you want to know more about Popcorn Sutton’s legacy, you can find it all over the web.

What we remember most, is Popcorn’s honesty, (odd as that may sound), his public appearances, and his theatrical role that originated with his legend over the years. It was sad the way his story ended. He is gone, but he did make “dang sure, ” he was not forgotten.

Here’s the recipe we promised you:

Grandma Bessie’s no nonsense pound cake

 First, a little background, if you please. Grandma Bessie said “in the day you used what you had on hand, they did not have the convenience of running to a grocery at a whim.”

Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Milk, Eggs, Butter

1 stick of buttler – 1 cup of sugar – 1 cup of flour – 1/4 cup of milk – 2 eggs (or 1 if you don’t have two) -( sometimes the hen is fussy)

Butter room temperature, mix it all together, 350 oven and bake until brown on top. Knife should come out clean.  It’s Done! (Don’t forget to grease and flour your pan)

Y’all don’t tell Grandma, but we added 1/2 tsp vanilla and grated orange peel (yum!)

And last but not least here’s your Haywood County Market Overview for February 2014 Market Overview by Price- SFR-Cond-TH- Haywood County as of February 28, 2014

A Little Maggie Valley History

What do  you think of when you think of the Smoky Mountains? Waterfalls, mountain peaks, incredible views, winter sports, hiking,  the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? You would be so right. These and so much more are waiting to be explored right here.

Maggie Valley is considered to be one of Western North Carolina’s most sought after resort towns. In the late 1800’s it was an isolated settlement forged in the wilderness. The residents were sturdy and thought of as true mountain people. To live here you had to forge off the land, neighbors depended on one another. At times mountain life could be challenging. The beauty of the area was always a drawn to many. That is still true for today. But, unlike in the 1800’s, we have all the conveniences of modern living. The town still has that rustic appeal and the magnificent homes that dot the mountains offer those lucky enough to live here views that cannot be replicated anywhere else.

From rushing Jonathan Creek running the valley to Cataloochee Ski Area you would be amazed at the sights and sounds year round. It is no wonder Maggie Valley is a sought after place to live and vacation in. Maggie Valley has been able to combine history and modernity in a very appealing way.

We could go on and on but there has already been a lot written about the region. May we suggest starting out with http://maggievalley.org/history.php there you can read how Jack Setzer was able to set up the Maggie Valley post office in the 1900’s; it is a story of determination of one man to make a difference for himself and his neighbors. It is sure to bring a smile to your face.

We hope you have enjoyed this little tidbit about Maggie Valley. We appreciate you reading our blog and/or subscribing to our newsletter.

Mountain Dreams Realty of WNC, Inc. “Dream Team”

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For inquiring minds, we have included for your viewing the Market Overview and the Quarterly Market Overview for Haywood County:

Quarterly Market Overview Land & Homesites Haywood Co 4th Quarter 2013 FOR BLOG

Market Overview by Price- SFR-Cond-TH- Haywood County as of December 31, 2013

Maggie Valley in the Winter

 January 2014

There is something so majestic about the Blue Ridge Mountains and the view from Maggie Valley, North Carolina.

No matter if you grew up here, or the mountains called to you, the four seasons come alive in the area. This winter we welcome the snow, Cataloochee Ski Area is in full swing and outdoor lovers finding that there is something to do around every corner. 

We hope you enjoy our new blog. We will link it to our newsletters once a month. We will showcase facts and pictures of the area. 

As premier realtors in the valley we are privileged to capture moments that are worth sharing. Get to know us and Western North Carolina. If the mountains call you home; stop in. We are waiting to help you make your Mountain Dreams come true.

Paul Heathman, John Illingworth, Shirley Cole, Danny Pugh, Jess Osborn, and Lyndia Massey…. The Mountain Dreams Realty of WNC, Inc… Dream Team