2008 ended with some out-of-state Buyers finding a house they loved and me writing an offer and submitting it to the listing agent.  New Year's Eve was spent verbally negotiating the offer and finally settling on a few changes by 9 PM.  Still time for ringing in 2009!  After making the changes and getting with my clients before they left town on New Year's Day I emailed the offer to the listing agent.  The earnest money check was safely locked in our office awaiting a signed contract. A week later the offer appeared in my inbox...missing a few signatures on a couple of pages.  I called the agent and asked that he get with the Sellers to have this signed off so that we would have a contract; he assured me he would.  We had been having verbal communication on a regular basis up until this... 01/27/2009

There is magic to be found in Hendersonville, NC.  The natural beauty of this mountainous region draws visitors in the pleasant summer months and year-round residents love the mild winters that follow.  Golfers have flocked to the Cummings Cove Golf Community located within Hendersonville city limits.  The gated community of Cummings Cove offers beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, underground utilities, an award-winning 18 hole golf course, golf shop, clubhouse, restaurant, grill and lounge, sports and fitness centers that include a junior Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts and a social center.  Located only 15 minutes from the Asheville Airport, Hendersonville's Cummings Cove is a modern-day Mayberry RFD with convenient access to the larger cities in the area.  For mor... 01/22/2009

Southern Living Magazine invited its readers to vote on the "Best Small Town" in the South and Hendersonville claimed the No. 10 spot, with Beaufort, SC being listed as No. 1.  While Mayor Greg Newman was happy with this honor, he was surprised that Hendersonville didn't rank No. 1, with its beautiful scenery, wonderful attractions and many things to see and do and jokingly vowed to "get to the bottom" of why Hendersonville.  Southern Living Magazine's 2008 Travel Readers' Choice Awards are determined solely by the votes of its readers in different categories.  Lee Henderson-Hill, the Executive Director of Downtown Hendersonville, Inc., acknowledged that it was an honor that so many people who not only lived in Hendersonville but passed through and visited the city recognized and apprec... 01/15/2009

Are you ready to throw out your Christmas tree?  From now until January 10th, you can drop your old Christmas tree off at the parking lot for Field 6 at Jackson Park for the annual Henderson County Christmas Tree Recycling event, which takes place on January 10th from 9am-2pm at the park in Hendersonville.  The Environmental and Conservation Organization (ECO) sponsors this event every year to help recycle old Christmas trees into wood chips and mulch for use in home gardens and as fragant additions to firewood.  ECO will be directing traffic and passing out free hot apple cider to those attending the chipping event on January 10th.  Christmas tree vendors are welcome to drop off any leftover trees at Jackson Park as well.  Hendersonville residents can simply leave their Christmas trees... 12/31/2008

    Imagine getting a great meal for under $5.00.  That's what you'll find at Hot Dog World. Located at 226 Kanuga Road in Hendersonville North Carolina, this well oiled machine serves the finest hot dogs, milk shakes and so much more.  My personal favorite is their chicken salad sandwich.  My husband loves their Greek salad.  My daughter loves their ice cream and kid's basket.  Hot Dog World offers indoor seating, outdoor seating and call ahead to-go service if your in a hurry.  It's where the locals love to eat.   12/27/2008

I thought you might be interested in one of Henderson Counties best kept secret...Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park is a family owned and operated snow tubing and Indian mining adventure park located right here in Hendersonville North Carolina!  The coolest part is this is a family friendly park with a half lane open for little ones.  It's the only tubing park that allows you to train down the trail with other tubers.  It is so much fun!  For more details such as hours of operation and prices please visit http://www.moonshinemountain.com/index.html   12/27/2008

I am delighted to share with you one of my favorite affordable indoor places that I like to take my daughter Isobella to play.  Bounceville USA, located at 614 Market Street, is an indoor bounce house featuring three bounce houses, a birthday party room and a ton of fun.  The staff is friendly and obsessive about cleanliness.  For rates and hours of operation please visit their website at:     http://www.bouncevilleusa.com   12/27/2008

Relive the Christmas spirit of yesteryear in downtown Hendersonville on Friday, December 5th from 5-9pm.  This Downtown Hendersonville, Inc., and Henderson County Travel and Tourism Visitors Center sponsored event takes place throughout the entire downtown shopping district.  Local merchants will be dressed in Victorian garb, offering refreshments to shoppers that grace their stores.  Carolers will stroll throughout Main Street and the avenues singing Christmas tunes, free carriage and hay wagon rides will be offered, live entertainment will take place at the gazebo and you can even expect a visit from Father Christmas himself!  As a special Christmas treat, the city of Hendersonville is allowing free public parking at Dogwood, Azalea and Maple Streets straight through until the day aft... 12/04/2008

  Sunday December 14Thfrom 1-5pm. Seven Historic Hendersonville Inns will showcase their homes for the 2008 Holiday Tour of Historic Inns and Cookie Caper.   Sponsored by Hendersonville's Historic Preservation Commission, the self-drive tour allows ticket holders an opportunity to view inns all of which are on the National Register of Historic Places.  Each inn offers a unique and magical opportunity to view holiday decorations and fresh baked cookies.      Money raised through the tour will support the historic commission's efforts to place plaques on some Main Street buildings and to place markers in historic neighborhoods. I have personally enjoyed the holiday tour and would suggest this as a "must do" if you love history and architecture.  This year's tour features the Claddagh Inn... 12/02/2008

Despite the ups and downs on Wall Street, the US housing market has looked promising over the last couple of months.  In fact, just last week, sales figures of existing homes across the country were up 5.5% (the highest jump since the middle of the housing boom in July 2003).  Many of these sales were foreclosures, meaning a lower sales price.  New construction was up 2.7% nationwide last month as well.  Since many people are gobbling up the lower priced homes (especially those in foreclosure), the former glut of inventory now seems to be getting smaller, indicating the beginning of a possible leveling out of the housing market.  Mortgage applications were on the rise as well thanks largely to the decreased rate of 6.26% for 30-year fixed rate loans and 6.1% for 15-year loans.  Conventi... 11/06/2008

You will not be bored trying to find things to do in the Hendersonville area this week that include fun for the entire family: October 16-19: Craft Fair of the Southern Highland Craft Guild.  Visit Asheville's Civic Center from 10am-6pm on Thursday through Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sunday to peruse the handcrafted items for sale, listen to local musicians play live music and take any of the number of craft classes available for adults and children. October 17-18: 2nd Annual Raymond Fairchild Mountain Music Jamboree.  Stop by the Eaglenest Entertainment in Maggie Valley, NC to enjoy this indoor bluegrass music festival.  With over 800+ comfy seats, it is easy to get up close and personal with the wonderful performers.  Free parking is available and prices range from $25-$65.  For more inf... 10/16/2008

North Carolina's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services holds an annual Best Dish in North Carolina contest for all restaurants in the state based on the quality of food used by chefs in North Carolina restaurants as well as their regular use of North Carolina's own products in their menus.  For casual dining, Hendersonville's own Blackwater Grille won second place for his mouthwatering Blackberry Summer Salad, Hunter's Style Mountain Rabbit and Napoleon of Mountain Berry Ice Cream.  In the Fine Dining category, Chef David Sparacino with the La Riserva Ristorante & Wine Bar in Hendersonville also took home second place for his divine Zuppa D'Argosta soup, Insalata di Spinaci salad, Frutti di Mare con Polenta appetizer, Arrosto di Maiale entree and Mela Cotta dessert.  Another H... 10/02/2008

It's on every-ones mind these days... how do I make my money last longer? I for one have tightened my spending belt and I thought I would share with you what I am doing and if you have a great tip, share it.   In no particular order:   Discount stores. I save $0.25 per item on 2 letter Coke products and snacks by buying them at "Dollar" stores instead of "mart" stores. Cut cable expenses. I have a premium package with my Direct company and just eliminating HD movie channels saves me almost $40.00 per month. I can always upgrade when I have the extra cash. Matinée anyone? When I REALLY need my movie fix we choose matinée over evening show times. It can save up to $7.00 per ticket. Check your area for dollar show times if offered. If possible, cut the cord. The phone cord that is. If it ... 09/22/2008

Do campfires remind you of marshmallow roasts and spooky stories?  If you visit the Historic Johnson Farm in Hendersonville from 7-9pm on Saturday, September 20th, you are in for a real treat.  Four of the area's best storytellers will be featured in a night of unearthly fun.  Virginia "Blackfeather" Thompson specializes in Native American folklore and culture and has 30 years of professional storytelling experience.  Now retired, Lisa Whitfield was a music and art teacher for 31 years, during which, she loved telling her elementary students all sorts of stories.  And, last but not least, Johnson Farm coordinator Ingrid McNair and her husband, Jerry McNair, will tantalize your ears with "The Spooky House", "No One Here But You" and "The Haunted House".  Admission is only $4 for adults, ... 09/18/2008

Fall is in the air here in Hendersonville North Carolina and the surrounding areas.  Housing prices are falling for those who really wish to sell in this buyers market.  To date we have an 18 month housing inventory supply.  Buyer's... now is the time to buy!!  For the past 5 years seller's have enjoyed an average 96% list to sale price.  Today seller's are averaging 93% of a realistic asking price.  I would love the opportunity to help you with your real estate needs.  May I have the privilege of working for you? Sincerely,Mary Gann SittonBroker/REALTORGann RealtyMary@GannRealty.com828-489-9354 Direct   09/16/2008

Thanks to a campaign spearheaded by local citizen and businesswoman Barbara Hughes, Mayor Greg Newman officially proclaimed Hendersonville as the "friendliest city in America".  Barbara Hughes even set up a Friendliest City in America website to show the smiling, happy faces of Hendersonville's friendly citizens as well as residents' stories of what makes the city such a great place to live.  Barbara is hoping to get Henderson County's Chamber of Commerce to link to her site to help get the word out on a national level.  US Senator Elizabeth Dole has even expressed her appreciation for the fine Hendersonville community, where she set up her western office after she was elected to the US Senate.  Senator Dole commended Barbara Hughes as a shining example of what makes Hendersonville such... 09/11/2008

With all of this talk now about being green, going green, working green, green is somehow becoming over kill. We just need to keep it simple. And we need to do what we can afford. Not everyone can afford to drive a Hybrid car and put solar panels on the roof. So what can we do to get a start? The best and easiest place to start is with your light bulbs. If you can change out all of the 'old' bulbs with the new efficient ones you can get the easiest start. Don't just run out and buy the bulbs anywhere. You may pay way too much. Look for sales, call around. I found a great deal of four in a box for under $8 and bought enough to do my whole house last year. I think a better buy may exist this year. Look around. These bulbs last 5 times longer and use way less electric to get the lights on.... 09/08/2008

If you are thinking of relocating to the Hednersonville or WNC Area here is a tip to save you money on your accommodations. When booking your hotel stay explain to the reservations specialist that you are looking to purchase in the area and would like to know if a discount rate is available as you intend to make more than one trip to purchase and would only stay at this establishment. It works. One you arrive, I would love the opportunity to help you with your home search and purchase. Please feel free to call toll free 888-844-1231.   I look forward to working for you soon.   Sincerely, Mary Gann Sitton Broker/REALTOR Gann Realty Mary@GannRealty.com   08/28/2008

Do you want to remodel your home because you are looking to sell it soon?  There are some smart remodel projects that will bring alot of bang for your buck and there are some remodel projects that may sound like a good idea, but won't bring a good return on your investment. Do: Remodel the bathroom.  No costly, overdone bathroom remodel is necessary.  Change out old brass hardware for newer, updated brushed nickel ones.  Give a fresh coat of paint to the walls.  Replace old lighting fixtures.  Take out the tub and add a tiled-in shower with glass enclosure.  Buy a new pedestal sink and toilet to open up the bathroom. Replace the exterior siding.  It's like putting a new outfit on your home.  Vinyl siding is the most popular and inexpensive method for exterior siding.  However, fiber cem... 08/28/2008

As a first time mother I had major apprehensions as to where my daughter would go to preschool. I knew preschool would give my Isobella an opportunity of play and learn with other children. But who could I trust? A good friend overheard my discussion one day and recommended Creative Beginnings Preschool. Located in the First Presbyterian Church of Hendersonville North Carolina.  This Christ centered school offers a caring, loving and fun environment.  The teachers and staff are fantastic. There are currently 6 openings in the one year olds and 4 openings in the two year old classrooms. I encourage you to please visit their website as it will give a more detailed explanation of the wonderful things they are providing for our children in Henderson County. http://fpchendersonville.org/ 08/22/2008