Wealthy Investors Are Eyeing Real Estate

The wealthier the investor, the more money they plan to put in real estate compared to the amount they have earmarked for stocks and bonds, according to Barclays Plc global survey. Investors believe real estate will yield better returns.Twice as many people with more than $800,000 to invest plan to increase their investment in commercial and residential property compared to those who plan to reduce it, Barclay’s study reported.Overall, investment in real estate among wealthy individuals is set to rise to 30 percent of the average portfolio from 28 percent now, according to the survey. That excludes properties used as a principal residence.

Source: Bloomberg, Peter Woodifield (11/30/2009)

First Time Home Buyer Credit Extended and Expanded

Last week, after the Senate gave its final and fully supportive approval on the homebuyer tax credit extension, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to pass the legislation, sending the tax credit to President Obama who's final sign-off on Friday made it official.

The $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit, which was slated to expire Nov. 30, 2009, will be extended for contracts signed before May 1, 2010 that close before July 1, 2010. First-time buyers, who are in the process of closing now, no longer have to worry about qualifying for the $8,000 tax credit if they do end up closing after the Nov. 30 deadline. The new legislation also increases the income limit for couples with income up to $225,000, a nearly $55,000 increase above the current level.

Buyers who already own a home are also now eligible for a tax credit and the purchase of a home. The $6,500 maximum credit will be available to existing homeowners who have lived in their current residence for five of the prior eight years. The legislation does set forth several provision including, limiting eligibility for existing homeowners to homes worth $800,000 or less, as well as making both credits available only for primary residences, not second homes or investment properties. The legislation will take effect November 7, 2009 and is not retroactive.

The original first-time homebuyer tax credit jump-started the housing market, driving home sales to the highest level in more than two yeas. The National Association REALTORS® reported sales jumped 9.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.57 million units in September and are 9.2 percent higher than the 5.10 million-unit pace in September 2008.

Extension and Expansion of the First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit???

Congress is currently working on legislation to extend the first-time homebuyer tax credit. In order to be eligible for the current credit, prospective buyers need to purchase and close on a home by Nov. 30. Under the proposed bill, the deadline is expected to be extended into 2010. The details of the extension are currently being worked on and a vote is expected as early as this week -- some say that a vote may occur today. Therefore, you may have some breathing room with your closing if you already purchased a home and are trying to beat the Nov 30 deadline. If you are a prospective first-time homebuyer who missed the opportunity to take advantage of the current credit, you may have a second chance.

In addition to the extension, Congress is said to be working on a bill to expand the current tax credit to prospective homebuyers who already own a home. Under this proposal, existing homeowners who purchase a home after this bill is enacted may receive a tax credit of as much as $6,500 dollars. This would apply to prospective purchasers who have owned a home for 5 of the last 8 years.

Although we will not know the exact details of these proposed bills until Congress completes their work, we do know that they need to act quickly if they expect to extent the current credit before it expires. Stay tuned...

Mortgage Talk with Lanice Self, W.R. Starkey Mortgage

This is La Nice Self with your weekly update for September 21st.........

The past week had some good news:
* Retail sales were up-showing the consumer is starting to buy again.
* The produces price index went up-allaying fears of DE-flat ion which is VERY bad in recession.
*The core CP came in low-showing inflation is in check which is good for interest rates.
*Housing starts and building permits were up- showing that the new home market is starting to expand vs.. contact.
*And finally, jobless claims fell - showing that job losses are slowing.

All of this underscores Mr. Bernanke's claim that "the recession is very likely over". But before you decide to celebrate, remember that it will take several years to get us back to a vibrant economy. The thing is that we are headed in the right direction.
On the first time home buyer front, there is legislation proposed in the Senate that would extend the tax credit into next year and possibly raise it and/or raise the income limits for qualifying buyers.
But.....proposed is a long way from reality. Best to tell your 1st time home buyers that there is no guarantee for an extension and so they should buy now.

This week rates ranged between 4.875% and 5.00% . depending on credit and points.

30 year fixed rate is 4.875 with 1 origination
15 year fixed rate is 4.50 with 1 origination
30 year fixed FHA is 5.125 with 1 origination

US Housing Market Seeing Growing Light at The End of The Tunnel

The end of the meltdown may be in sight, but the long road to recovery will likely be a long one. The last 24 months have been a rough ride for the US housing market. Thankfully, federal regulation and fiscal policy have been effective in easing the impact of the great recession. And now many experts are citing encouraging signs that are driven by the summer seasonality of the housing market but may also point to stability. Take existing home sales, for example, which have increased for the fifth consecutive month. Also on the rise are home prices, an all-important indicator of stability. In today’s battered market, rising home prices translate to a more balanced supply and demand picture.

By all indications, the market still represents opportunity. The $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit is set to expire at the end of November, but remains a powerful incentive. While first-time buyers are active, more repeat buyers are also taking advantage of favorable mortgage rates and better prices. These two broad groups of buyers are absorbing excess inventory. Mortgage rates, which now sit between 5-5.5% range, are slightly above the record low of 4.78%. Thus they are still very favorable and represent an historic opportunity for qualified potential buyers. The housing affordability index also remains very strong, as prices are adjusted to levels not seen since the mid-2000s.

The overall U.S. economic scene looks a bit brighter as GDP figures came in better than expected for the second quarter. The economy declined at a pace of just 1% over the past quarter, a great improvement from the first quarter’s decline of 6.4%. Economists point to this a potentially strong signal that the longest recession since World War II is finally beginning to wind down. Looking forward, the GDP is expected to return to positive territory in the third quarter and increase further in the fourth quarter.

An increasing trend is American consumers’ movement toward real savings. Last month alone, the U.S. savings rate hit 4.6%, a marked change from the negative to 0% savings rate for the entire decade. Economists consider a savings rate of 5% beneficial for the long-term viability of the economy and housing market. With increased savings, lower consumer spending could result in a slower recovery, but might lay the foundation for sustainable growth in the future. With limited prospects of new job growth, unemployment will continue to remain in focus as the best indicator of broader recovery.

HOME SALES IN THOUSANDS

June marked the five-month streak of increase in existing home sales. The $8,000 tax credit continued to be a huge boon to first-time buyers, who accounted for 29% of all transactions in June, unchanged from May. Repeat buyers, who often sell their current house to first-time buyers, continue to capitalize on historically high affordability conditions.

See more at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O-UFD5q-HI

-courtesy of This Month In Real Estate, by Keller Williams Research

How do you know if you're in a Master-Planned Community or simply a typical subdivision?

Generally, they are distinguished by the tremendous number of amenities and conveniences, and the over-all enormous land area the community encompasses in a Master-Planned Community. For example, because of their sheer size, Master-Planned Communities will incorporate extensive recreational amenities like lakes, golf courses, and expansive parks with bike paths, and jogging trails. Alternatively, the typical subdivision may have an occasional smaller park or recreation area, and the size of the local neighborhood will be much smaller than found in a Master-Planned Community.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Inventory of Houses Falls in July

The number of homes listed for sale declined again in many U.S. cities last month as bargain hunters continued to search for foreclosed properties.

The supply of homes available for sale in 28 major metropolitan areas at the end of July was down 2.5% from a month earlier, according to figures compiled by ZipRealty Inc., a real-estate brokerage firm based in Emeryville, Calif. The Zip data cover all single-family homes, condominiums and town houses listed on local multiple-listing services in metro areas where the firm operates.

On a national basis over the past 25 years, inventories in July have fallen by an average of 1% from the June level, according to Zelman & Associates, a research firm. Compared with the year-earlier month, the July inventory in the 28 metro areas was down 27%, according to the Zip data.

Agritourism in Western North Carolina

In America, agritourism is wide-spread and includes any farm open to the public at least part of the year. Tourists can pick fruits and vegetables, ride horses, taste honey, learn about wine, shop in farm gift shops and farm stands for local and regional produce or hand-crafted gifts. Such "U-pick" farms were at their most popular in the 1970s. Other terms associated with agritourism are "farm direct marketing", "sustainable agriculture" and "agritainment".

In Western North Carolina they are using agritourism to develop their local economy, craft trades, and educate their visitors to current agriculture practices. On the web site, Home Made in America, they look at agritourism this way, "…this niche market not only assists communities with solutions to help diversify their economic base, but it also helps our regional urban centers and increasingly suburban populations to understand the important role that farming and rural life plays in our history, by highlighting the need for it in our contemporary society. Agri-tourism projects reinforce the need to support local growers and sources and allow the visitor to experience what it is to be part of the land…"

This past weekend, our family ventured to Queen's Berry Farm on the Davidson River in Pisgah Forest, where we picked blackberries and blueberries. It was a wonderful learning experience for our two little boys and we would recommend it to anyone visiting or living in WNC!

Queens is a twelve-acre farm offering U-pick black raspberries, red raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. They have many vegetables, fruits, flowers, eggs and honey in season. The season starts in April with asparagus and rhubarb. It ends in the fall with potatoes. Eggs are available all year. You can visit their website at http://www.queensberryfarm.com/

For more information visit http://www.ncfarmfresh.com/. North Carolina Farm Fresh is a directory of pick-your-own farms, roadside farm markets, and farmers markets throughout North Carolina. It is designed to help the consumer, find the freshest locally grown fruits, vegetables, Christmas trees, ornamental plants, flowers, and herbs.

Did you know some of the World's Oldest Mountains are in Western North Carolina?

Appalachian Mountains:
The Appalachian Mountains, often called the Appalachians, are a vast system of mountains in eastern North America. Definitions vary on the precise boundaries of the Appalachians. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) defines the Appalachian Highlands physiographic division as consisting of thirteen provinces: the Atlantic Coast Uplands, Eastern Newfoundland Atlantic, Maritime Acadian Highlands, Maritime Plain, Notre Dame and Megantic Mountains, Western Newfoundland Mountains, Piedmont, Blue Ridge, Valley and Ridge, Saint Lawrence Valley, Appalachian Plateaus, New England province, and the Adirondack provinces.

The Appalachain Mountains are the oldest U.S. Mountains and are the chief mountain system of eastern North America. They stretch from Quebec to central Alabama, forming a divide between the rivers that flow into the Atlantic and those that flow into the Mexican Gulf.

Black Mountains:
The Black Mountains are a mountain range in western North Carolina, in the southeastern United States. They are part of the Blue Ridge Province of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. The Blacks are the highest mountains in the Eastern United States. The range takes its name from the dark appearance of the Red Spruce and Fraser Fir trees on the upper slopes which contrasts with the brown (during winter) or lighter green (during the growing season) appearance of the deciduous trees at lower elevations. The Eastern Continental Divide, which runs along the eastern Blue Ridge crest, intersects the southern tip of the Black Mountain range.

The Black Mountains are home to Mount Mitchell State Park, which protects the range's highest summit and adjacent summits in the north-central section of the range. Much of the range is also protected by the Pisgah National Forest. The Blue Ridge Parkway passes along the range's southern section, and is connected to the summit of Mount Mitchell by North Carolina State Route 128. The Black Mountains are mostly located in Yancey County, although the range's southern and western extremes are part of Buncombe County.

Blue Ridge Mountains:
The Blue Ridge, or Blue Ridge Mountains, is a physiographic province of the larger Appalachian division. The province consists of the Northern and Southern physiographic sections, which divide near the Roanoke River gap. This a mountain chain in the eastern United States, part of the Appalachian Mountains, forming their eastern front from Georgia to Pennsylvania. To the west of the Blue Ridge, between it and the bulk of the Appalachians, lies the Great Valley, bordered on the west by the Ridge and Valley province. The mountains are well known for their bluish color when seen from a distance. Trees put the "blue" in Blue Ridge, from the isoprene released into the atmosphere, thereby contributing to the characteristic haze on the mountains and their distinctive color.

Within the Blue Ridge province are two distinct sections: the Shenandoah in the northern section and the Great Smoky Mountains in the southern section. The Blue Ridge also contains the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile (755 km) long scenic highway that connects the two parks and is located along the ridge crestlines along the Appalachian Trail.

Great Smoky Mountains:
The Great Smoky Mountains are a mountain range rising along the Tennessee-North Carolina border in the southeastern United States. They are a sub range of the Appalachian Mountains, and form part of the Blue Ridge Physiographic Province. The range is sometimes called the Smoky Mountains or the Smokey Mountains, and the name is commonly shortened to the Smokies. The Great Smokies are best known as the home of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which protects most of the range. The park was established in 1934, and with over 9 million visits per year, it is the most-visited national park in the United States.[1]

The Great Smokies are part of an International Biosphere Reserve. The range is home to an estimated 187,000 acres (760 km2) of old growth forest, constituting the largest such stand east of the Mississippi River.[2][3] The cove hardwood forests in the range's lower elevations are among the most diverse ecosystems in North America, and the Southern Appalachian spruce-fir forest that coats the range's upper elevations is the largest of its kind.[4] The Great Smokies are also home to the densest black bear population in the Eastern United States and the most diverse salamander population outside of the tropics.[5]

Along with the Biosphere reserve, the Great Smokies have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The U.S. National Park Service preserves and maintains 78 structures within the national park that were once part of the numerous small Appalachian communities scattered throughout the range's river valleys and coves. There are four National Historic Districts within the national park and ten individual structures within the park are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The name "Smoky" comes from the natural fog that often hangs over the range and presents as large smoke plumes from a distance. This fog, which is most common in the morning and after rainfall, is the result of warm humid air from the Gulf of Mexico cooling rapidly in the higher elevations of Southern Appalachia.

To learn more about the mountains in Western North Carolina, please visit www.carolinamountainsales.com .

First Time Home Buyer Credit - More Details

The primary reasons first-time homebuyers have been driven to considering a home purchase during the past few months are the attractive loan programs targeting first-timers and the generous $8,000 tax credit offered by the federal government.

Recently, the tax credit has been loaded with new angles allowing first-time buyers to add it to their down payment after the required 3.5 percent of the purchase price has come from their own funds. As of May 29, 2009, the $8,000 federal tax credit can be used as "an additional down payment or closing costs" for buyers who apply for mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration before Dec. 1, 2009.

A first-time buyer, as defined by the Internal Revenue Service, is anyone who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse.

For example, if you have not owned a home in the past three years but your spouse has owned a principal residence, neither you nor your spouse qualifies for the first-time homebuyer tax credit. However, unmarried joint purchasers may allocate the credit amount to any buyer who qualifies as a first-time buyer, such as may occur if a parent jointly purchases a home with a son or daughter. Ownership of a vacation home or rental property not used as a principal residence does not disqualify a buyer as a first-time homebuyer.

In addition, first-time homebuyers must purchase the property from a source unrelated to them. For example, they cannot purchase the house from a spouse, parent, grandparent, child, or acquire the property by gift or inheritance and obtain the tax credit.

Lenders are sorting out how all the details will work but hope that the impact of the news and the implementation of the program will be a huge boost to the regional housing picture.
According to Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the idea to "monetize" the tax credits allows them to be immediately turned into cash, rather than waiting several months after the closing date of the transaction for the credits to be processed. The credit amount from the IRS is the lesser of 10 percent of the purchase price of the dwelling or $8,000.

There are income limits attached to the $8,000 first-time credit. A phase-out of the credit begins when the taxpayer's modified adjusted gross income exceeds $75,000 or $150,000 if married filing jointly. The credit is eliminated completely when the taxpayer's income reaches $95,000 or $170,000 if married filing jointly. Taxes owed by or refunds due to the taxpayer are factored into the calculation.

Modified adjusted gross income, or MAGI, is defined by the IRS. To find it, a taxpayer must first determine "adjusted gross income" or AGI. AGI is total income for a year minus certain deductions (known as "adjustments" or "above-the-line deductions"). AGI includes all forms of income including wages, salaries, interest income, dividends and capital gains.

Donovan said that some mortgage companies that do not have banking deposits to tap will need a few weeks to prepare documentation for what will essentially be secured personal loans. Plus they'll need to locate a source of funds for their advances. Donovan advised that first-timers need not curtail their shopping because by the time they're ready to get a mortgage and go to closing, more local FHA-approved lenders will be actively in the market.

"The biggest obstacle for first-time buyers is coming up with a down payment," said Joe Robson, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders. "Enabling buyers to access the tax credit at the time of closing will help to stimulate home sales, stabilize housing and get the economy back on track."

-Tom Kelly, Inman News

Three Types of Sellers

We are often asked when the real estate market will return. The answer to that is when we are only dealing with type two and three sellers.

The three types of sellers are as follows:

#1 - Must sell within 30 days at any price. These are usually bank foreclosures, people with financial problems, going through a divorce and people for one reason or another have to sell. These people will keep lowering their prices until they get a buyer.

#2 - Normal seller. This is a typical seller who will sell at a market price given a normal market. This is the typical seller you usually have in the real estate market.

#3 - My price, my terms. This is the seller who says he will sell at his price which usually has nothing to do with market value. We had a lot of these sellers in 2005 who were able to get exorbitant prices for their property simply because we had so few sellers and lots of buyers.
The problem is, the type 1 seller drags down the market because a buyer really does not care what kind of situation the seller is in. They just want the best buy they can possibly get. The market will not return to normalcy until we get all of the type 1 sellers out of the market.

Hey, first-time homebuyer: How does $8,000 from your Uncle Sam sound?

Want an extra $8,000? If you’re a first-time homebuyer then we have a nice surprise for you.

Last fall, the Federal Government introduced a financial incentive to prospective first-time homebuyers — an income tax credit of up to $7,500. The rules were simple: you must have been a first-time homebuyer (as defined by not owning a home in the previous three years) and you met certain income restrictions.

The new $8,000 tax credit is available to those who buy between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009. It’s not a deduction, it’s an actual credit. Unlike the $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit introduced last summer; this does not need to be repaid.
First timers who qualify can make no more than $75,000 in adjusted gross income if they’re single or $150,000 if filing jointly. The maximum tax credit is $8,000 or 10 percent of the sales price of the home, whichever is less. Three years residence in the property are required. As always, check with your accountant for details and be sure to submit IRS form 5405 when you file your taxes.

www.carolinamountainsales.com

www.discoverwnc.com

Asheville, NC - Best of The City & Country Combined

Asheville offers the best of both worlds: the city and the country.

Downtown Asheville is a pedestrian-friendly city that features mostly independently-owned businesses. These businesses offer a variety of services and products, ranging from a college-student’s to an upscale traveler’s budget.

And, yet, when you’re in Asheville, you’re always a hop, skip and a jump away from an outdoor adventure.

To the east of the city lies Mount Mitchell, the highest mountain peak east of the Rocky Mountains. This peak is named after the professor who calculated the mountain’s height and died on a second trip to the mountain.

To the west are the Great Smoky Mountains. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States, with eight to ten million visitors a year.

To the north, less than 100 miles away, is Blowing Rock. Blowing Rock, North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction since 1933, is an immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level. Also to the north is Grandfather Mountain, a globally-recognized nature preserve. Known to many as a refuge for the human spirit, this preserve is also the highest mountain peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

To the south, is the Chimney Rock State Park and Lake Lure, where the famous 80s movie Dirty Dancing was filmed. Chimney Rock, which is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a 315-foot granite monolith accessible by foot or elevator.

At all of these outdoor attractions are inns, chalets and other lodgings nearby that offer concierge and other upscale services, which assures that your stay will be exciting as well as luxurious.

http://www.carolinamountainsales.com/

http://www.discoverwnc.com/

Western North Carolina - A Luxury Mountain Getaway

North Carolina is known as a golfer’s paradise, and although Western North Carolina (WNC) is filled with mountains there are plenty of quality golf courses to pick from. With courses always a few miles from your home, you will have no trouble spending an entire day on the green. The Cliffs, probably the most famous of the golf courses in the area, is a community with pro-played golf courses. It also has courses that have been designed by golf masters including Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus.

There are also seven ski slopes in WNC, and one more not too far away in Gatlinburg, T.N. With terrains available for all abilities there is the perfect ski resort for you.

If you’re more into fishing or boating, there are over ten lakes in the area and four major rivers.
But what if you’d rather shop than get your hands dirty? Then you can take your pick of quaint mountain towns and cities to shop in. WNC is a hot spot for mountain arts and crafts, so much of what you find in the area is locally-made products.

With golf courses, ski slopes, and lakes abundantly dotting the area, WNC is a prime spot for luxury mountain real estate. And Your Dream Community is here to help you find the right spot for you.

While much of the nation’s real estate is declining in value, Asheville, N.C. and the surrounding areas’ real estate values are remaining steady. If you have ever considered buying real estate in WNC, now is the time to make your move.

There has been a steady rise in the amount of luxury mountain communities in the area, so there are plenty of choices to pick from. Pick a location in the area and there will be the right luxury community for you.

How’s Brevard sound? Home to an annual White Squirrel Festival, this small mountain town is a hub of arts and crafts and waterfalls. Or how about Balsam Mountain Preserve? This 4,400-acre preserve will never have anymore than 354 homes in it, so time is of an essence when looking for a home in this community.

Take your pick of locations, and you will find the luxury mountain community that you have been dreaming of. And Your Dream Community will be there to help you find it with ease and pleasure.

http://www.carolinamountainsales.com/

http://www.discoverwnc.com/

Bear Lake Reserve Overview

Bear Lake Reserve is a 2100 acre community built on of the last undeveloped lakes in the Western North Carolina region. The lake has over 13 miles of shoreline and is 500 acres. One of Bear Lake Reserve’s amenities is the Mill Pond Pavilion which features an indoor kitchen and sitting area, covered outdoor seating and fireplace, and two stocked trout ponds. Another beautiful amenity is the outdoor amphitheatre which has hosted many local bands as well as national artist such as Chris Isaac, Michael McDonald, and Bad Company. The Bear Lake Reserve Golf Club allows you to get in 9 holes of golf at an elevation of 4,000 feet with breathtaking views in every direction and still have time to get down the Lake Club. At the Lake Club, you can swim in one of the heated pools or hot tubs, get on a boat at the Marina for fishing or water-skiing, relax in the sauna and steam room, work out in the fitness center, watch a movie in the theatre, read or check email in the library, and then go upstairs to enjoy a libation in the bar/lounge and finish your day with a gourmet meal at the Lure Restaurant overlooking the lake. Some other amenities at Bear Lake Reserve include miles of manicured hiking trails, outdoor fire hearths, tee pee, tree houses and tent platforms for camping. Cottages are available from the low $400,000’s to $700,000, Mountain Lodge 4-plex Condos range from the mid $300,000’s to $700,000, custom homes start at just over $1,000,000 and home sites are available for the high $100,000’s to $1,000,000.

Upcoming Events in Western North Carolina

Bluegrass First Class February 13-15, 2009 2 1/2 Day Bluegrass Festival featuring the nation's top Bluegrass & Acoustic Performers. Event is at the Crowne Plaza Resort and begins at 12noon on Friday until 12am and Saturday from 12pm - 12am. Sunday morning Gospel Event from 9 - 11am is free to the public.Call Mr. Milton Harkey for Event Tickets and info at: 828-275-8650.

WNC Orchid Show at the NC Arboreteum March 27-28, 2009 The WNC Orchid Society will host its annual show at The North Carolina Arboretum. The popular juried plant show will also feature award-winning orchid vendors, many of whom are nationally recognized growers and hybridizers. Rare and unusual plants, specialty lighting and orchid supplies will be available for purchase. Event Contact Information: 828-665-2492

Festival of Flowers at the Biltmore April 4–May 17, 2009 Biltmore's gardens, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, are alive with color as spring arrives. Enjoy special events and the beauty of tulips, azaleas, and countless other flowers during Festival of Flowers.

Carolina Mountain Sales Team - Allyson Etheridge

Allyson Etheridge - Owner/Broker

Allyson grew up in a real estate family; her father was a real estate pioneer at Sea Pines Plantation in Hilton Head; then moved to Amelia Island Plantation to play a key role there. Her mom is the top real estate agent for Amelia Island Plantation--a distinction she’s held for 20 years. Serving the needs of real estate customers is definitely in Allyson’s blood.

From 2001-2004 she served as the Retail Special Events and Marketing Manager for Amelia Island Plantation, working on the initial retail management team that opened the new retail center with ten upscale boutiques. She created and managed more than 250 retail marketing events a year while serving as a retail manager on duty over the staff in all ten stores. She won the 2002 Employee Idea of Year for Amelia Island Plantation by inventing an interactive company-wide calendar. Allyson also planned and implemented the Amelia Island Wine Festival to raise money for local charities.
In 2004 she joined Coldwell Banker Ashburn Real Estate in 2004 in Highlands, NC as a Sales Associate; she earned Sales Associate of the Year in 2005. She jumped in quickly to help her community, becoming a member of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce, Cashiers Chamber of Commerce, Highlands-Cashiers Board of Realtors, North Carolina Association of Realtors, the National Association of Realtors, and serving on the Highlands Wine Festival Event Committee.
As a broker for Carolina Mountain Sales, Allyson continues her community involvement as a member of the Asheville Chamber of Commerce, the Asheville Board of Realtors, North Carolina Association of Realtors, the National Association of Realtors, and a member of M.O.P.S. of Biltmore Baptist Church.

Allyson, a native of Amelia Island, attended Episcopal High School of Jacksonville, University of Georgia and graduated from University of North Florida with a B.A. in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations.

Allyson and her husband Brian live in Asheville, NC with their two sons, Reynolds and Hayes, and their golden retriever, Sabal.

www.discoverwnc.com

www.carolinamountainsales.com

Carolina Mountain Sales Team - Brian Etheridge

Brian Etheridge -Owner/Broker

Brian began his real estate career with Centex Destination Properties in the North Carolina mountains, working at Bear Lake Reserve, where he earned top sales executive for two years running and also earned the 2004 Divisional Champion Award for highest customer satisfaction scores, referral sales and sales conversion rate. He was honored as one of five sales executives asked to speak to 1,500 peers at the national Centex Homes sales rally, and his sales process serves as a model for training at all 645 Centex Homes properties. As Director of Sales at Bear Lake Reserve he led a team of 20 sales executives, the marketing team and administrative staff. While at Bear Lake Reserve, Brian generated over 100 transactions and $50 million in sales volume. Brian then went onto to serve as Director of Off-site Sales & Marketing for the Ginn Company, where he generated appointments and sales for all of the Ginn communities. Most recently Brian was an active member of the Seven Falls Golf & River Club's Sales Team in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

A native of Whiteville, NC, he attended Waccamaw Academy and graduated from UNC-Greensboro. After graduation he became an assistant golf professional at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach and then at Amelia Island Plantation. Brian’s time in the resort world gave him the opportunity to understand the resort business and the importance of customer service.

As a broker for Carolina Mountain Sales, Brian focuses on helping buyers locate their ideal mountain property. He is an active member of the Asheville Chamber of Commerce, the Asheville Board of Realtors, North Carolina Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors.

Brian and his wife Allyson live in Asheville, NC with their two sons, Reynolds and Hayes, and their golden retriever, Sabal.

www.discoverwnc.com

www.carolinamountainsales.com

About Carolina Mountain Sales

Carolina Mountain Sales is a service company through and through. We are an upscale real estate company and offer one-stop residential real estate shopping services to customers who are looking in Western North Carolina for a home site, retirement home, second home or primary home.

We have heard time and time again, "We know we want to purchase in Western North Carolina because of the climate, lifestyle, southern hospitality, etc., but just don't know where to get started." There in lies why Carolina Mountain Sales was born. Allyson and Brian Etheridge embarked on a journey to create something we loved; a business that embraced a vision we had passion about, and one where we could fully use our experience from other business ventures. We are here to help educate you on the area, save time, and simplify the buying and selling process. We want to make sure that you are aware of all of the options out there that may be a possible match for what you are looking for in a property and if you are selling a property we offer a remarkable program to get you property sold.

Our Vision
We sincerely wish to become your trusted agency when you choose real estate professionals to represent your best interests. We bring heartfelt enthusiasm and optimism to everything we do, while serving our clients with integrity, honesty, and respect. Real estate has been a natural fit for us because of our passion to serve. Whether you are looking to buy or sell property, you can count on our hard work ethic, dedicated professionalism, and deep knowledge of the dynamic, ever-evolving Carolina Mountain real estate market.