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Why Retire to Highlands NC?

Highlands NC

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

Have you been asking yourself the question why retire to Highlands NC?  The simple answer would be that our area focuses on an active lifestyle, both physically and mentally.  In addition there are many opportunities to get involved in the Highlands community which adds to the overall quality of life.

There is no doubt that Highlands North Carolina offers a stunning backdrop. The Southern Blue Ridge Mountains represent one of the most beautiful areas of our region.  The beauty outdoors is echoed with every adventure you choose, from fly fishing to bird watching and hiking to mountain biking and everything in between.

In addition to the great outdoors there are a variety of educational and cultural opportunities throughout the year.  From the performing arts and the visual arts to learning about nature or taking a computer class there are ways to expand your mind.

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today to learn more about retiring to Highlands NC.  Staying active and enjoying life is important to many.  I can get you started on your Highlands real estate search and help you get to know our area like a local.

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Testamonial

I am so happy having made the decision to turn over the sale of our family’s mountain home of 37 years to Lynn. In an otherwise dismal vacation real estate market and the in the middle of Winter, she and her team were able to secure a buyer in 17 days on the market, at almost asking price. Not only that, but we had a second backup contract 2 days later as well! Now granted, it was a very desirable location, and these results may not be typical, but nevertheless I was impressed, as the house needed major repairs and renovation as well.

I liked the fact that Lynn did her homework and provided me at our initial meeting both quantitative market analysis as well as qualitative listing expectations. Prior to agreeing to take the listing, she consulted with her associates to establish a realistic asking price. That took 2 weeks because of the Christmas/New Year’s holidays. Her valuation (i.e., right selling price) was validated by both the buyer’s offer and the ultimate lender’s appraisal. She was truly professional in not rushing into the listing – she wanted to make sure I was happy with the price and comfortable with her agency’s approach.

Once the listing was signed, she coordinated all of the tedious legwork obtaining an accurate property survey (which had never been done) and communicating with the City zoning department to navigate the lot building limitations (which might have been a big negative to a buyer) versus what was grandfathered because of the structure’s age.

Lynn (and her team) communicated at ever stage in the closing process (including an extension because of the lender’s delay).

I am very happy to recommend Lynn – she is truly outstanding! I have used many realtors over the years both buying and selling, and my experience with Lynn was by far the best.

Stanley Street

Washington, DC

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Technology A Focus in Highlands NC Schools

Highlands NC

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate & community information

Technology is a focus in Highlands NC schools.  Some students in the high school have been given iPads as a replacement for text books and the experiment has been well-received.  In a small school system that is considered rural the importance of modernizing may be felt more than in other areas.  Technology is an important part of any school today.

Education plays a role in Highlands real estate values as our area becomes more attractive to those considering relocation if there is quality education available.  The inclusion of technology in the classroom is vital in preparing our youth for higher education and the ability to compete with other nations.

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today to learn more about education in Highlands NC.  My goal is to educate my clients on all aspects of living in the Highlands area.  Start your home search here and get to know the Highlands Plateau at the same time.

Click here to read “Highlands students and teachers give iPads a thumbs up” from The Highlander.

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OFFERS TO PURCHASE OR CONTRACTS?

Lynn Kimball

 

 

Contributed by Lynn Kimball

Meadows Mountain Realty

Highlands Newspaper

November 1, 2012

 

We’ve had a great deal more activity this year with prospective buyers and Offers to Purchase.  However, buyers and sellers are not coming together in many cases…thus not ending in sales Contracts.

What are the issues creating this scenario?  Most real estate professionals agree that we are at the bottom of our market.  I had a local man recently tell me that he had to buy some local real estate because they are giving it away!  However, buyers and sellers often do not agree with the “bottom price”.  Buyers in this economy are expecting to make an exceptional deal.  Sellers in many cases have drastically reduced their prices downward over a period of time from previous market conditions.  They may be already at the bottom of the market.

Here are examples of what we are experiencing:

A seller may have started listing their property at a price of $600,000 and by now have reduced their price to $395,000.  The buyer makes an offer at $300,000.  The seller feels like they are already at their bottom BEFORE they received the Offer….when in fact $395,000 could be an excellent value.

The other side of the coin is that a seller may have an elevated opinion of their property based on previous years.  In this case it is difficult to get agents and/or clients to even look at the property.  A buyer decides it is probably a nice property…although pricey, but feels the seller will come down to today’s market value.  These cases rarely come together and conclude in a sale.

I believe this is a phase.  Activity is an improvement, but bringing together buyers and sellers is much better.  In time, I believe it will even out.  The best new is we are experiencing an upswing in real estate sales….which is the backbone of our economy in Highlands.

I highly recommend finding a professional Realtor whom you can trust to guide you in the best direction.

If you want a good overall introduction of our area and to search available properties, you are invited to visit my user friendly website at www.signatureproperties-nc.com.  Meadows Mountain Realty has two locations, one is downtown at 41 Church Street in the Old Edwards Inn complex and the other is at 2334 Cashiers Road across from Highlands Falls Country Club.  Lynn Kimball may be reached at 828-421-8193 or by email at Lynn@MeadowsMtnRealty.com

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Considerations for Retirement and Second Home Buyers

Highlands Newspaper

September 13, 2012

Contributed by:  Lynn Kimball

Meadows Mountain Realty

Considerations for Retirement and Second Home Buyers

     Highlands has long been known as haven for second home residents as an escape from the summer heat of the south and a place to enjoy these beautiful mountains and our quaint mountain town.  Our community has been blessed with many amenities that we could only have because of the charitable contributions of many of these summer residents.

When I moved here in 1985, the majority of second homes were conservatively priced and modestly appointed and were selling like hotcakes.  For many years it appeared that there was no end to high appreciation rates.  Many second home buyers started with small condos, then moved on to medium priced homes and ultimately moved up to high-end, luxury homes which became extremely popular starting in the late 90’s.  Homes priced over $1,000,000 couldn’t be built fast enough for the demand.

We all know that times have changed since the recession started in 2008.  It seems that no one, including the wealthy, has been unscathed by the economy since. The inventory of available homes in all price ranges has increased magnanimously.  Since the beginning of this year, we have seen many more people looking at properties and have also seen more sales.  Real estate is stabilizing and those who have been waiting to purchase do not want to wait until prices come up.  There will always be those who are comfortable with purchasing high end homes, but many are going back to more conservative choices.  Stepping stones with prices as low as they are today, will serve as a way to get into a second home in Highlands and allow you to get your foot in the door.  Also, it makes sense to those more conservative buyers to purchase something today that will be easiest to sell later in case things change in their futures.

As a potential second home or pre-retirement buyer today, these are some questions you may want to ask yourself:

Do I need to look at purchasing a high-end home now that I will enjoy for years to come?  Or would it be better to start with something smaller and less expensive that I may rent out or enjoy until the time for retirement comes nearer?  Is it best to pay cash or obtain financing at rates lower than we have seen in generations?  Qualified second home buyers can borrow at around 3 ½% with as little as a 10% down payment.  There are also many sellers willing to hold owner financing at these low rates.  Could your 401K, IRA or other retirement holdings be better served by investing in Highlands for future retirement?

One thing’s for sure, the reason people choose Highlands for a second home remains the same in any economy.  There is truly no place like Highlands.

If you want a good overall introduction of our area and to search available properties, you are invited to visit my user friendly website at www.signatureproperties-nc.com.  Meadows Mountain Realty has two locations, one on Church Street in the Old Edwards Inn complex and the other is on the Cashiers Road across from Highlands Falls Country Club.  Lynn Kimball can be reached at 828-526-4101 or by email at Lynn@MeadowsMtnRealty.com.

 

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Million $$$$ Views! Condo Sits High Above Highlands Country Club

http://fx.tourfactory.com/Media/Brochure/503580.jpg?layout=portrait&dpi=300&rnd=2.845

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Lynn Kimball’s Client Recommendation

Lynn Kimball’s Client Recommendation

Signature Properties

Lynn Kimball

Lynn helped us with the purchase of our home and has our other home listed. We are very impressed with Lynn’s knowledge of the area and the wisdom she brings to the table in negotiations from start to finish. She has great attention to detail. Lynn is well connected to trades in the area so knows who to call for just about any situation that needs repair or attention. She is well respected by her peers, and that is important, too!! We would say Lynn has a big heart and will go the extra mile to make sure things go smoothly and professionally.

George and Carol Taylor Highlands, NC

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Highlands…A Precious Gem

Highlands Newspaper
June 7, 2012

Contributed by Lynn Kimball
Meadows Mountain Realty

Highlands NC Real Estate

Lynn Kimball

Highlands…A Precious Gem

Real estate activity has already increased dramatically this year as evidenced even through the winter months. Have you noticed the sense of energy on Main Street? I am hearing from shop owners, restaurateurs, innkeepers and Realtors that business is way up. The recession hit Highlands later than other areas and for many reasons our local economy is turning around sooner than most. I am encouraged, yet not at all surprised.

I have often been asked, “What makes Highlands so special?” What initially brought most of us here is the beauty of these mountains and all the hidden treasures they hold. Then there are the cool summer temperatures and generally mild winters with just enough snow for our enjoyment. Our quaint small town with a flair for the refined offers a casual atmosphere and a laid back lifestyle. The exceptional variety of restaurants, lodging, boutiques and shops are second to none to any small mountain community. We can thank the generosity of our local and summer residents for their gifts of time and funds that offer us fine arts, cultural events, music, performing arts and many other interests that are rarely found in a small community.

Perhaps the greatest natural asset found in Highlands is the warm and welcoming spirit of its people….always willing to reach out to new residents and visitors alike. Our people enjoy a strong sense of community and a hardy desire to share it with others who appreciate the same.

If you are wondering what all of this has to do with real estate….our economy in Highlands is driven by those who visit and discover that this is their choice for a second or third home. It is becoming evident that those who have been waiting for the market to bottom out are now ready, willing and able to purchase their own mountain home. This peak in interest will ensure that our real estate market recovers and that all our businesses return to the success we have come to know and enjoy.

To the members of our Highlands business community….let us seize the opportunity for an exceptional season with an attitude of gratitude toward our visitors, our residents and each other.

If you want a good overall introduction to our area and would like to search available properties, you are invited to visit my user friendly website at www.signatureproperties-nc.com. Meadows Mountain Realty has two Highlands’ locations, one downtown on Church Street in the Old Edwards Inn complex and the other on the Cashiers Road across from Highlands Falls Country Club. Lynn Kimball may be reached at 828-526-4101 or by email at Lynn@MeadowsMtnRealty.com.

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VZ TOP – BEST VIEWS IN HIGHLANDS

Two new condo listings in VZ Top, located high above Highlands Country Club. You won’t believe the prices! Two bedroom, two bath unit at $179,000. Three bedroom, two bath unit at $249,000. This view is from both units. Won’t last long!

VZ Top Views Highlands, NC

Views from VZ Top

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HARRIS LAKE CONDO ALREADY UNDER CONTRACT

483 Spring Street, Highlands, NC  28741

Old Highlands Park Great Room


These are the most attractive and quality condos in the Highlands-Cashiers area.

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