The Blue Ridge Barbecue Fest in Tryon Has Been Saved!  The hopes of fans (and there are many) of this annual event that they will not see it bite the dust due to the economy and lack of funds have been answered!Thanks to an outpouring of community support in which 80 supporters of the annual event committed $1,000 each to a fund making it possible for the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce to go ahead with plans for the 17th Annual Barbecue Festival.The show will go on and the BBQ & Music Festival will be held on June 11-12 at Harmon Field in Tryon, North Carolina.Hog Heaven is where the BBQ teams from across the country gather to demonstrate their skills and for all to enjoy.This is a great favorite family event for locals from Hendersonville, Asheville, Brevard, the Western NC are... 01/28/2010

Hawthorn Hills is a great neighborhood, located west of town on Highway 64. Rich in History, the acreage was once a great dairy farm owned by Bert Browning. Kalmai Dairy was named for the beautiful indigenus mountain Laurel that grows wild here in the mountains. You can read about the history of Hawthorn Hills by going here. Bert and his family sold the acreage in 1957 for development. During that time only two lots per year were sold until 1993. The community was built slowly. Over time the area grew to about 200 acres and now has almost 100 homes. The yards are spacious and there is plenty of green space all over the community. You will find plenty of rich, mature landscaping and large, beautiful yards.   Homes in this community are well built and are situated on large lots for maximu... 01/27/2010

Henderson County Assessor's Office Revaluing Real Estate Property for TaxesIt's that time again for the Henderson County Assessor's Office to start gathering info to reset real estate property values for 2011.  This happens every four years and the current tax rate of $.462 per $100 of assessed value was set on January 1, 2007 and will now be reset on January 1, 2011.This means that employees have begun the process of gathering data from the Multiple Listing Service and other records to identify market trends in sales for current market conditions.  It's a long process to make a determination of fair market value and the direction the real estate market is heading -- up or down.  The new valuations will be set January 1, 2011.Like most other locations Henderson County has experienced a ... 01/26/2010

Not for a home, but for your next filing cabinet. I bought a new 4 drawer filing cabinet a few years ago. It was just what I needed, and I placed it where I thought it would be for a long time. Recently I decided to move it and I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to get the drawers out. I called the store where I bought it to see if they could help. After they looked and looked, they finally concluded that they do not come out. After checking with the manager, it was found that the newer 4 drawer cabinets do not have removeable drawers. Most brands have made them like this due to liability. I guess people were dropping them on their feet when removing them. So FYI, if you need the drawers to come out, either buy an older model, or be prepare for the dolly to move it. 01/26/2010

I was visiting my friends the Derfel's a while back and Barbara was telling me about a show she had been following on Planet Earth called Dogs 101. I decided to tape some and give them a look see. What a show. They talk about 4 or 5 breeds each show. They show them as puppies and adults, and give you every bit of information on each one. The good, the bad the usgly and the oh so adorable. You learn the origin of the breed, what potential health issues they may have, care and grooming needs and more. For anyone seriously considering getting a dog, this is the show to watch, for a very long time. You will get a clear idea about each breed and what they need or can't handle in your lifestyle. It is a must for people with kids. They always rate how each breed does with kids. I was a bit sup... 01/25/2010

Crooked Creek, Hendersonville NC is located minutes south of Historic Hendersonville NC. Easy access to Interstate 26, Highway 225 and Highway 25.   View Crooked Creek, NC in a larger map   This community was started in the 1970's and the homes were well built, and have been well maintained over the years. They have held thier value very well. Each home was given an average of 3/4 of an acre. You will find mature landscaping throughout the community. There are currently 4 homes available, ranging in price from $334,900 to $549,000. They range in size from 2100 to 5000 square feet and three to five bedrooms.  There is a large lake to mosey around and watch the birds or the changing leaves, and is an especially good way to meet your neighbors. The streets are wide and open, giving way to ... 01/23/2010

Effective February 1, 2010 the FHA will suspend the 90-day "no flip" rule for one year.  Investors, pay attention.  This is also good news for qualified FHA home buyers.The way I read the ruling this "No Flip Waiver" is good news for housing by opening up great investment opportunities for the investors to do necessary improvements and than list at a reasonable price so the FHA qualified buyers can purchase and take some of the excess home glut off the market.  This should be a good benefit for the housing market.Here's the link for the Official HUD Notice so you can read and form your opinion.  I also read a good summary of the 2010 HUD suspension at this real estate investment site and the reviewers thoughts.Hopefully you find this info helpful and for information on the Hendersonvill... 01/21/2010

The October 25, 2009 Pigeon River Gorge rock slide that has closed Interstate 40 at the North Carolina - Tennessee border is not expected to reopen before March, 2010.  Maybe not even than depending on the weather, etc., etc.From here in Hendersonville North Carolina I am not generally affected as the closest I get to where I-40 is closed is when my husband and I head to Harrah's in Cherokee and we like to go through Maggie Valley.  Since we make this day trip only about every 3 months we've only read about the slide and followed it in the news.For local businesses in that area it certainly has had an impact and many visitors aren't familiar with alternative routes.  I was reminded of this when Marvin's brother and wife came to visit this past weekend.They were coming from Wisconsin and... 01/20/2010

The landmark Poplar Lodge Restaurant in Hendersonville NC may be a victim of the economy.  They served their last meals December 31, 2009.The owner, Robert Quattlebaum, said the economy and community interest would determine if he would/could consider reopening.  In any event he says he plans on doing some remodeling.In my opinion the Poplar Lodge is a landmark in our area and has historic value dating from 1919.  It's location off Hebron Road in Laurel Park is rustic and very picturesque.My husband and I have enjoyed numerous and very pleasant meals, great service and great food on special occasions at this fine establishment.When we moved here in 1994 the Hendersonville area didn't have many restaurants of the caliber of Poplar Lodge.  There were many fast food type restaurants and th... 01/14/2010

Until February 6, 2010, you can purchase apple trees to help Hendersonville nonprofit organization ECO (Environmental & Conservation Organization).  Since apples have been such a huge part of Western North Carolina's agricultural history, ECO is offering over 20 different varieties of apple trees at its annual sale.  These trees are unique in that many of them are hard to find since they were historically grown here in the southeast. The goal of ECO's annual apple tree sale is to help replace the apple trees that have been lost to development and neglect as well as increasing the diversity of this historically important fruit tree to the Hendersonville area.  In addition, the proceeds from the sale help fund ECO's environmental programs that include protecting the Western North Carolina... 01/14/2010

These numbers are provided by the 4 County Western NC Regional MLS system and represnethome sales in Buncombe (Asheville Area), Haywood, Henderson (Hendersonville Area) andTransylvania (Brevard Area)  counties 2008 NovemberResidential Statistics       2009 November ResidentialStatistics (Adjusted Jan/2010)                   Single-Family Homes Sold   294   Single-Family Homes Sold   388 Average Days on Market   122   Average Days on Market   161 Average Selling Price   $257,739   Average Selling Price   $243,831 Month End Inventory   8,656   Month End Inventory   8,513 Average List Price   $275,005   Average List Price   $263,344 % Difference Sale to List   93.7%   % Difference Sale to List   92.6%               2008 DecemberResidential Statistics       2009 DecemberResidential Statisti... 01/08/2010

The National Weather Service's issuance of snow before 2pm today, rains and further snow after 2pm and winds up to 9 mph, I thought I'd share a few tips on how to prepare for cold weather here in Hendersonville. Make sure your fireplace flue is open and clear.  You want the smoke from the fire to go straight up instead of filling the room and causing a breathing problem. Keep all combustible materials away from any heat source, such as the fireplace, portable heaters and ovens/stoves.  This includes paper, matches, lighters, etc. Don't use the oven/stove to heat up the room.  They are not meant to be used for long periods of time.  Also, an unattended, open oven/stove runs a high risk of catching your house on fire. Keep an eye on children and paper products near a heating source.  Pape... 01/07/2010

I love consignment shops, thrift stores and resale shops.  I get a sense of satisfaction and pride when I find the unexpected.  My purchases have ranged from books no longer in print for $.25 to an entire new wardrobe of high end clothing for $65.00.  It’s amazing what you can find if you have time and patience. what was your favorite find at a consignment, thrift or yard sale?  I'd love to hear from you. January 9th, 16th, 23rd & 24th from 10:30AM-12:20PM The Hospice Store located at 215 N. Main Street will hold demonstrations on items found in thrift stores and how they have been transformed.  I can’t wait to see the exhibit.  If you would like more information please call 828-696-0625.   My favorite places to shop:   Blue Ridge Humane Society – Thrift Shop 1400 Spartanburg Highway He... 01/03/2010

If you are a landlord in the state of North Carolina you need to know N.C Gen Stat. 42-42 to 42-44. This statue requires landlords to provide one operable carbon monoxide detector per rental unit, per level.  The landlord is responsible ensuring that a carbon monoxide detector is operable and in good repair at the beginning of each tenancy.  This statue applies only to dwelling units having a fossil-fuel burning heater or appliance, fireplace, or attached garage. Being a property manager myself, I purchased 5 Carbon Monoxide Detectors at Lowes.  At an expense of $26.00 each.  I used a label maker to identify each detector with the following:  Property of Gann Realty 828-693-1231 and the physical address of the property. Next I drafted a document to each tenant: I _____________ do hereby... 01/03/2010

Here are a few of the 39 new laws that took effect on January 1, 2010 for North Carolina for anyone in Hendersonville and surrounding area who may have missed them.The no smoking law was passed in 2007 to become effective in 2010 as of January 2.  This law applies to restaurants and bars and is creating some criticism from businesses already impacted with the slow economy.  The ban also applies to smoking in public places including public vehicles.  This proposed law had been defeated for some years due to the North Carolina tobacco growing industry, but, has now been passed.In 1996 a smoldering cigarette butt in a trash can caused a fraternity fire that killed 5 students at the University of NC at Chapel Hill and it is also thought that smoking materials may have caused a 2007 Brunswic... 01/02/2010

Jan 1st The start of a new year has so many promises.  I look at it as having a clean slate, a chance to do and be better in mind, body and spirit. Today we took down all 4 Christmas trees and all the trimmings and looked around at a less cluttered, clean home.  I am so thrilled to be starting the New Year off with the knowledge that I know where things are and I have the ability to access them in the event of an emergency.  We are in such a hurry these days and I want to share with you this tip to help you be prepared. Could you find your birth certificate or child’s immunization record in less than 5 minutes?  My confession is that until today I couldn’t have met that challenge. I highly recommend 1 binder that holds all of your important documents such as the family social security c... 01/01/2010

Tax Time - You May Qualify for North Carolina 65 Plus Property Tax Homestead Exemption.  It's hard to believe that it's that time of the year already!  Seems like I had just fought not too long ago with Turbo Tax to try and get our taxes filed on time and the battle begins anew!I've discovered that many of our North Carolina residents in Henderson County and the sourounding area I served weren't aware of North Carolinas Homestead Exemption for citizens 65 Plus or permanently disabled citizens of any age.To qualify the homeowner's income can not exceed $27,100 (single or married).  The assessed value of the property that can be excluded from taxes is the greater of $25,000.00 or 50% of assessed value.  Income calculations are based on funds from all sources other than gifts or inheritan... 12/30/2009

How important is a new survey when purchasing property?  Many folks think that if the sellers have made available a previous survey it will suffice rather than have the expense of a new survey.  Is this wise for the buyer?  Here in Hendersonville NC we generally think the expense is worth the piece of mind for the buyer and I'm sure many others do as well.Might the buyers possibly face an issue typically referred to as "matters of survey" with a Title company when a current survey is not being applied?Could it not be possible that since the last survey things might have changed a wee bit, or a lot?  Perhaps an unaware of encroachment across property lines, building restriction lines, fences/walls, wells and on and on.Matters of Survey may cover the Title Company but are your purchaseer'... 12/29/2009

This afternoon I decided to drop in to the new business I have been seeing on the corner of Barnwell and Church Streets, My Place and Bubbalini's. I had heard from Gary Prichard that it was a new place for assisting the youth in Henderson County and I wanted to check it out. Very impressive. I found a huge space that was visually THE Place for kids.It had the feel of a lot of fun putting it together. Founded by, and Ceo of, My Place is Venerable Pannavati. She started Generation "Y" to serve 18-24 year-olds with housing and living skills. The following is their mission statement taken from their website: “My Place” is a non-profit, transitional housing program for “unaccompanied” and homeless youth in Hendersonville, NC between the ages of 18 and 24. The comprehensive program incorpora... 12/29/2009

This is Ms. Winnie as a "babe puppy" a few years ago.  I must say she is as adorable now!  My hubby and I saved her from a puppy mill litter.  We even paid for her to be a companion to our hyper cock-a-poo Mr. Willie.  Winnie is allegedly a mistake from the mating of a miniature Doberman and a poodle.  Anyone's guess as to the true facts, but, we love her whatever her mixture.Okay -- to the reason for this blog.  Winnie woke me at 4 AM on Sunday from her crate (she has the most amazing array of sounds she can make to try and explain her issues!)  This was definately I need to get outside wail (she can actually howl which I have never heard that sound come out of a canine before.  Many folks have been impressed with her howl.)That was the beginning of an "out" every 2-5 minutes!!  I fina... 12/28/2009