Let me help you with the next phase of your life right here in the Great Smokey Mountains of Western North Carolina! Please visit me on my website and look at what is available for free. Be my quest on MLS & search just like the Realtors do. Come to Franklin, NC Mountains where there is Simple Pleasures and Hidden Treasures! Nestled in North Carolina's southern mountains, in the foothills of the Great Smokies, the area offers a change of pace and a never-ending supply of things to do. The little Tennessee River runs along the banks, (The Greenway) here offering ,walking, biking, canoeing, tubing, picnicking etc. We have Pickin on the Square Downtown all summer on Saturdays w/live music & clogging and more. Franklin is large enough to offer almost everything you need, yet small enough t... 09/03/2009

I noticed a change starting to happen. Fall is on its way!  I was sitting on my porch last weekend and it started to drizzle rain a little bit.  All the sudden the wind started and seeds were flying through the air.  This went on for about ten minutes.  I don't know what they were but I guessing they were coming from our White Pine trees.  My husband came out after a while and I told him I got to witness Mother Nature at work.  It simply amazes me when I STOP and pay attention to the small things in life.  I don't know what happens to me but it brings me joy and peace. Next couple of months the tourist will be here to witness Mother Nature at her best!  Last year it was toward the end of Oct. that was really spectacular in our mountains of Western NC. 09/01/2009

Ya know the old saying the shoe makers kids never has shoes?  I am a builders wife and this year since he was slow, I got some things done around our own home that was on my honey do list!!!  Here are a few things we did ourselves this year that will save us money month after month, year after year. Insulated Siding is the most energy efficient siding on the market. With an industry system R-value range from 2.2 to 5.1.  Insulated Siding is the only energy efficient siding with custom-contoured foam that delivers continuous coverage for maximum energy savings.  Insulated Vinyl Siding ~ StructuDow STYROFOAM is an ENERGY STAR® siding from Aloca is the first premium insulated vinyl siding bonded with Dow STYROFOAM®, a recognized leader in insulation. Structure provides superior strength, s... 08/30/2009

At least 1,200 veterans across the country have been mistakenly told by the Veterans Administration that they suffer from a fatal neurological disease.  My brother called me last week and told me he received a letter in the mail from the VA telling him he has what is known as Lou Gehrig's disease.  Of course we all were devastated with this news.  I even called him a liar because I didn't want to believe this.  I also could not believe they just send him a letter in the mail and not called him in the doctors office.  I was so HAPPY TO HEAR IT ON THE NEWS THIS MORNING and called my brother right away.  I still do not know how to feel about this.  Happy YES, angry YES! Here is the link to the story. http://news.aol.com/health/article/1200-veterans-wrongly-told-they-had-lou/636811   08/25/2009

Here is a helpful Real Estate glossary from A to Z  There are many people who do not understand what we are talking about when we use certain terms like PITI.  I thought it would be helpful also for first time home buyers to know just what some of these words actually mean. Call June Tassillo @ Classic GMAC to help you with the next phase of your life! (828) 371-2339   Real Estate Glossary 203(b): FHA program which provides mortgage insurance to protect lenders from default; used to finance the purchase of new or existing one- to four family housing; characterized by low down payment, flexible qualifying guidelines, limited fees, and a limit on maximum loan amount. 203(k): this FHA mortgage insurance program enables homebuyers to finance both the purchase of a house and the cost of its ... 08/17/2009

Why do some houses sell and others don't?There's no ultimate answer to this question, however here are s few top reasons properties stay on the market and don't sell:  Lousy pictures on the Web:  No excuse for bad pictures or no pictures.  When clients look on line they want lots of pictures of the property and the home. Priced too high for the neighborhood:  Lots of sellers think their home is worth more because of a number of reasons.  Never skip a CMA. Blah interior:You may want to consider a home stager.  No question about de-cluttering it sure helps. Ho-hum landscaping:  First impression do make a difference!  It doesn't cost a lot to plant a few flowers along the pathways. Little online marketing and hard-to-find MLS listings:  If an agent is not up on the times with marketing lik... 08/13/2009

 August 7 & 8 - 1st Annual Mountain High BBQ & Music Festival. Friday 12 noon - 9 pm, Saturday 10am - 4 pm. Macon County Fair Grounds. Contact 828-524-3161   Yummy! The Kansas City Barbeque Society is proud to announce the upcoming launch of The 2009 Great American BBQ Tour, a cross-country tour of some of the nation's top BBQ and food festivals.This tour, which will be on display at 25 premiere events and also make numerous stops at retail locations across the U.S., will show how backyard grillers can take tips from the BBQ pros of the KCBS and apply them to their outdoor cooking at home.The tour will also demonstrate the products that go great in and with world-class BBQ, including TABASCO brand Chipotle Pepper Sauce, Kingsford Competition Briquets, Weber Grill Creations and SCOTT Sho... 08/07/2009

The news is not so bad for this Southern Appalachian town.  Franklin, NC was recently awarded one of the top 10 "Undiscovered Towns for Retirees" in the southern cities by the Retirement Lifestyles magazine. The awards were based on quality of life, housing & income factors, cultural and historical offerings are among the few that are taken into consideration. This hidden Gem of a town was the only town in North Carolina to receivetop honors from this publication.  Dan Owens, the magazine's publisher and National Active Retirement Ass. director said "these unique places were recognized for having outstanding livability factors that we are certain will turn visitors into residents."  I am not surprisedby this because I have always said this town is a hidden jewel and once people find out... 08/04/2009

This is Dry Falls located on Hwy. 28 in between Franklin, NC & Highlands, NC.  Don't look so dry to me.  I wonder why they call it Dry Falls?  They say because you can walk under the falls and not get wet but guess what?  You do!  Not bad though and on a hot day it feels great.  I had not been here in a long time and it has been closed for over a year.  They added bathrooms, picnic tables, new parking lot and a cat walk at the top for the handicap and yes you can see the falls just about as good at the top.  If you can make the hike down it is worth the walk.  Its coming back up that gets ya.  While we were there I said to my friend, "Wow all this is in our back yard" we are truly blessed where we live, work and play.  If your ever in the area stop by and sit a spell and enjoy the Natu... 08/03/2009

Waterfalls of Southwestern North Carolina * Please be careful at any waterfall you may visit, they can be very danerous!  Never walk close to the edge on wet rocks!!! This is a guide to 16 scenic waterfalls in Southwestern North Carolina, including areas of the Nantahala National Forest, Pisgah National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  1. Cullasaja Falls - Visible from U.S. 64, in Cullasaja Gorge, 11 mi. east from Franklin, 9 mi. west from Highlands. Height 250 ft. Accessible by foot trail, a half-mile through steep, rough terrain. 2. Dry Falls - Located near U.S. 64, 3.5 mi. west from Highlands, 16.5 mi. east from Franklin. Paved walkway leads to falls from parking area. YOU Walk underneath the 75 ft. falls. Just re-opened 2009!!!  Taken by Anne T. 7/26/09 3. Bridal... 07/27/2009

Franklin, NC Area Hiking Trails  - Here is just a short list of popular hiking trails in and around Franklin, NC  ~ ENJOY! This area is rich in a variety of hiking trails. This listing can only cover a few. The Appalachian Trail (Georgia to Maine) passes just a few miles West of Franklin, and can be accessed at many places. The Bartram Trail also passes through Franklin, going East-West, and offers many highlights. There is a wide variety of trails offering hikes of different lengths in the Cowee, Fishhawk, and Nantahala Mountains.For more information, contact:Forest Service, Wayah District (828-524-6441) ***Short Hiking Trails*** Rufus Morgan Trail - (1 mile loop) - From Franklin, drive four miles West on US 64 and turn right at Wayah Bald direction sign. Take first left onto Wayah Roa... 07/27/2009

www.RickStrohm.com Rick & Rick Strohm, Jr. In the following blog posts I am going to "explore" the various town/cities in the Western North Carolina area. We always have clients/friends ask us "what towns are around you" - so I am going to start with Franklin, North Carolina. Franklin, NC With the possible exception of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Highway 64 near Franklin could be the most scenic route in the South. Once in Franklin, you will enjoy the museums, the kids will enjoy the Fun Factory, and everyone will love prospecting for precious rubies and sapphires. Wear work clothes - rock hounding can be a dirty, but rewarding adventure. While you are in the area, be sure to visit the Smoky Mountain Host Visitor's Center on Highway 441 South. The center has books, maps, gifts and other ite... 07/24/2009

When I first moved here back in 1993 I did not know I had moved to the Gem Capitol of the World!  Of the World I said.  Its is one of the oldest and largest shows in the southeast.  Dealers come from all over near and far and yes you can see & buy the most unique jewelry all in one place.  Everyone should attend at least one of these events if you should be in the area.   There are still several gem mines open in Franklin and surrounding areas.  It's just plain clean fun to go gem mining!  2 1/4 pound Ruby from Local Franklin Mine July 22-25 - 43rd Annual Macon County Gemboree. Macon County Community Building US 441S. Contact 800-336-7829. One of the largest and oldest gem & mineral shows in the southeast. Sponsored by the Gem & Mineral Society of Franklin and the Franklin Chamber of Co... 07/22/2009

NEED MORE ROOM IN YOUR NEST? or HAVE YOUR YOUNG-INS FLOWN THE COOP?  WHETHER YOU WANT TO UPGRADE OR DOWNSIZE CALL JUNE TASSILLO AT CLASSIC GMAC  FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS IN REAL ESTATE! Can you see all 4? Working with buyers and sellers in the Franklin, North Carolina and surrounding areas.  Let me help you with the next phase of your journey, be your go to girl and Realtor for Life! Toll Free:  1-800-622-8835  Ext. 204   June TassilloRealtor/BrokerClassic GMAC Off. 828-369-6720  ext. 204cell 828-371-2339                                                                                                                                                                      www.JunesRealtor.com 07/16/2009

LOOKING FOR YOUR OWN NESTING PLACE? AT CLASSIC GMAC REAL ESTATE WE HAVE A HOME FOR EVERYONE HERE!                                                                                                               SITTING ON THE NEST?  IT JUST MIGHT BE TIME FOR YOU TO FLY.  IF YOUR A FIRST TIME HOME OWNER OR HAVE NOT OWNED A HOME IN 3 YEARS, ITS NOT TOO LATE TO GET YOUR $8,000 TAX CREDIT.        NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY A HOME. CALL JUNE TO GET HER STARTED ON THE HUNT FOR YOUR CUSTOM HOME.   June TassilloRealtor/BrokerClassic GMAC Off. 828-369-6720  ext. 204cell 828-371-2339www.JunesRealtor.com 07/13/2009

A bird had made her nest on our front porch at our office a few weeks ago.  Usually we don't let them get this far with their nest but for some reason nobody bother her and her mate while we watched them build the nest for their future family.  Everyone that walks in the door would scare her and she would fly away and come back of course to sit on her little eggs.  Our office lady and the owner have brought in a feeder and hung it on the other post.  She does eat out of it from time to time. The day came yesterday and we are guessing these chicks are hours old.  I snapped a few photos of the miracle that appeared before us.  One of the agents yelled out "We have a Home for Everyone around here".  This is going to be featured in our local MLS Book in the next issue.  What a neat little s... 07/08/2009

JUNE TASSILLO @ CLASSIC GMAC REAL ESTATE IN FRANKLIN, NC See list of whats happening below. Grand Opening of the Performing Arts Center to kick off the festivities.  If you never been to Franklin's 4th of July fireworks you are missing out.  July 3 -Oak Ridge Boys Concert- 8 pm the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. 441 South. Contact 828-524-1598, toll free 866-273-4615 or visit www.GreatMountainMusic.com July 4 -Annual 4th of July Fun Day & Fireworks - Macon County Recreation Park US 441S. Contact 800-336-7829. Activities begin at 11:00am and conclude at dark with the largest fireworks display in Western North Carolina! Contact 800-336-7829 for additional information. Live Entertainment:10am am - Drumming Circle11:30 am - Veterans Memorial Dedication1:00 pm - Frog Town 42:... 07/03/2009

The Franklin Board of Realtors held an new event this year to raise money for Relay for Life.  We started what we hope will be an event to grow each year.  More than 100 people showed up for this event.  About 40 participants racing.  The race course covered close to 20 miles, it was a Run - Bike - Run Relay.  There was more to this event than just racing.  We had a live band, lunch, face painting for the kids, cheer leaders from the Middle School to cheer the finishers,  Zumba dance-fitness craze and raffle tickets from lots of sponsors to raise money.  Some of the sponsors set up their own booths and gave away more prizes.  Overall Individual: Justin Tucker, Douglasville, Ga., 1:10:40    Jamie Cook, Bryson City, N.C., 1:12:59    Brad Knops, Highlands, N.C., 1:14:47  Overall Team:  Jo... 05/21/2009

  If your thinking about home ownership and thinking ahead, here are a few good tips you could be doing to prepare yourself.  Ask friends, family or a Realtor who they used for a mortgage company and make an appointment.  Be organized with W2 forms, a couple of pay stubs, and bank statements.  Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between 2 and 3 times of your gross income. If you had any credit errors get them corrected immediately. After you determine how much you qualify for, decide what you want to spend and explore different loan options - such as 30 year or 15 year fixed or ARMS, and decide what is best for you. If you have not started saving for your down payment and other fees you will have, its a good idea to do it NOW.  Some cost include, 5% to 20%, closing costs,... 04/10/2009

Dear Family and Friends,I've decided to take a stand and fight back against cancerby participating in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life® eventright here in my community.Please support me in this important cause by making a secure,tax-deductible donation online using the link below.To donate online now, use the link below to visit my personal page.http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY09National?px=9678749&pg=personal&fr_id=12832Relay For Life® is a life-changing event that brings together morethan 3.5 million people worldwide to:*  CELEBRATE the lives of those who have battled cancer. Thestrength of survivors inspires others to continue to fight.*  REMEMBER loved ones lost to the disease. At Relay, people whohave walked alongside people battling cancer can grieve ... 03/16/2009