On of the main factors in whether your Hendersonville home sells quickly or lingers on the market for a while is the sales price.

Ask your REALTOR® to run “comps” (comparable sales) of Hendersonville homes in your immediate area that have recently sold.  Also, ask them to provide you with a list of homes currently on the market with similar amenities to yours so you can see what those homeowners are asking for their properties.  This will help you get a clearer picture of what the current real estate market is like in your area so you can realistically set your asking price.

When using comps to determine pricing, there are a few key points to look at.  Since pricing can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood in a city, a home that was sold on your street, in your subdivision and/or in your school district will be most helpful.  Also, a Hendersonville home that is similar in size, amount of bedrooms, yard, construction and amenities to yours is a good basis for comparison.  Finally, because the market can vary so much in just a few short months, don’t look at anything that sold more than three months ago.

Your real estate agent can also help you decide on an asking price for your Hendersonville home.  They have been out in the field dealing with the real estate market on a daily basis.  They know what sells and what doesn’t.  Ask them to make an honest assessment of your home based on their knowledge of the area and then just listen.  Don’t take whatever they say personally.  Remember, they are on your side.  They want to sell your home almost as much as you want it sold.

Pricing a home to sell can be a determining factor in whether your Hendersonville home sells quickly or not.  Using comparable sales figures as well as picking your real estate agent’s brain can help you come up with a number that will get traffic to your door.  If you need any help selling your Hendersonville property, please feel free to contact me today.

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Western North Carolina real estate blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2713301/pricing-a-home-to-sell.

Now that the holidays are over, what do you do with your tree?

You can recycle your Christmas tree in Hendersonville this Saturday, January 7th at Jackson Park’s Field #6 parking lot (801 Glover St) from 9am to 2pm.  If you can’t make it to the event this Saturday, however, you can drop your tree off earlier in the day at Field #6.  All trees that are dropped off will be ground up into mulch which will then be given back to the public for free to use for your household landscaping needs.  Mulch helps aid in water retension and reduction of soil erosion.

Please dispose of your Christmas tree in a safe and eco-friendly way by attending the Henderson County Christmas tree recycling event this Saturday, January 7, 2012 at the Field #6 parking lot of Jackson Park from 9am to 2pm.  When it’s turned into mulch, you will be able to continue enjoying the benefits of your Christmas tree beyond the holiday season as part of your Hendersonville lawn or garden.

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Western North Carolina real estate blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2692823/recycle-your-christmas-tree-in-hendersonville.

New Year’s at Noon! – Midnight can be tough for little kids to stay up for.  So, why wait?  The Hands On! Children’s Gallery (318 N Main St in downtown Hendersonville) will be holding their own New Year’s at Noon celebration.  For just $5 per person, there will be a countdown to 12:00 (noon), when everyone can ring in the new year kids’ style.  For more info, please call 828-697-8333.

Inn on Church’s New Year’s Eve Celebration – Ring in the new year with a good old fashioned murder mystery dinner.  There’s even dancing included.  Then, after you’re done solving crimes and drinking champagne, stay in one of the Inn’s gorgeous guest rooms.  No drinking and driving allowed!  For more info and to make your reservation, please call 828-696-2001.

Highland Lake Inn’s New Year’s Special – Don’t limit celebrating to just one night.  Try one of their New Year’s specials with a 20% discount on a two night stay and 30% discount on a three night stay.  Their packages include your morning breakfast for each day you stay and dinner for two with a champagne toast at their award-winning Season’s restaurant.  Even if you can’t enjoy an extended stay at the Highland Lake Inn, consider partaking in their special three course meal on New Year’s Eve.  The Bruce Lang Trio will serenade guests while they enjoy a specially prepared menu of lobster bisque or warm duck confit salad to start, your choice of grilled beef tenderloin, seared sea scallops or roasted duck breast as an entree and a warm dark chocolate tart dessert.  Dinner will be served from 6:30pm to 1am for just $60 per person.  But early birds (5pm to 6:30pm) can enjoy the same meal for $50 per person.  For more information and to make your reservation, please call 828-696-9094.

No matter how you decide to ring in the new year in Hendersonville, just make sure you do it in a safe and sane way.  Don’t drink and drive.  Never get into a car driven by someone who has been drinking.  Always make sure you have a designated driver so everyone gets home safely.  Happy holidays!

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Western North Carolina real estate blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2660535/ringing-in-the-new-year-in-hendersonville.

All-Purpose Cleaner – Every household could use a simple cleaning solution that takes care of multiple surfaces.  Simply mixing 1/2 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup baking soda in 1/2 gallon of water (2 liters) will create a cleaner that will take care of your countertops, chrome faucets, built up water deposits and windows.

Carpet Stain Remover – After you have dabbed up as much of a spill as possible, mix together equal parts white vinegar and water in a bottle.  Spray this mixture liberally on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.  Then use warm, soapy water to remove the mixture.  For tougher greasy stains, sprinkle some corn starch on the area and let it sit for approximately 30 minutes.  Then, vacuum it up. 

Lime Deposits – Using household tap water can create a lime buildup on just about any surface over time.  You can clean your teakettle by boiling a mixture of 1/2 cup white vinegar and 2 cups of water inside.  Rinse the teakettle completely with fresh water before it cools off.  Fresh lemon juice will help remove lime deposits from your bathroom fixtures.  Just let it sit for a few minutes before wiping off with a warm cloth.

Scouring Powder – For surfaces that can be easily scratched up using a traditional scouring powder (such as refrigerators and stove tops), use baking soda and a warm, damp cloth.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner - Simply mix up 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar, pour the mixture into the bowl and leave it.  After a few minutes, scrub it with your toilet brush and flush.

Wall Marks – At one time or another, especially if you have kids, your walls will be marked up with something (crayons, pencils, pens, etc).  If rubbing it with warm soapy water doesn’t remove the mark, try using baking soda to gently rub the mark away.

As you can see, using only baking soda, white vinegar or a combination of both can make your house spic and span in no time at all.  There are no harsh chemicals so they are safe to use around kids and animals and you didn’t break the bank buying expensive household cleaners.  It’s a win-win situation all around.  Making homemade cleaning products for your Hendersonville home is simple, cheap and great for the environment.

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Western North Carolina real estate blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2650408/making-homemade-cleaning-products.

Once you board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad’s Polar Express (which departs from Bryson City Depot), you and your children will be treated to the retelling of the Christmas classic as you are whisked away to the North Pole.  Between sips of hot cocoa, listen to carols being sung by the staff.  Once you reach the North Pole, Santa Claus will join you, bringing each little girl and boy a special gift…their very own sleigh bell.  But, will they be able to hear it ring?  You’ll have to be on board to find out!

Tickets start at $39 for adults, $26 for kids 2-12 years old and free for children under 2.  Upgrades are available.  Please click here to view the Polar Express’ departure schedule and click here to make your reservation.  There will be a special limited Polar Express Christmas Eve train ride available on Saturday, December 24, 2012.  Tickets for that range from at $51 (for Coach) to $72 (First Class) per adult and $37 (for Coach) to $50 (First Class) for kids (children under 2 are still complimentary).  Seats for all rides fill up fast.  So, make sure you make your reservations right away.

No matter what the weather may be like, the Polar Express will always make its way to the North Pole.  So, dress the kids up in their warmest jammies and take a ride on the Polar Express near Hendersonville.  It’s a night your children are sure never to forget!

Happy holidays!

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Western North Carolina real estate blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2637208/ride-the-polar-express-in-hendersonville.

The American Red Cross will be on hand to take your donation.  Unfortunately, there is never a shortage of need for blood but there is a critical shortage of blood available.  All blood types are welcome.  To find out if you are eligible to give blood, please visit the American Red Cross website here.  Walk-ins are always welcome but an appointment is preferred.  To make an appointment, simply call 697-3073 and speak to Sharon.  Make sure to bring your Red Cross ID if you have one.  If not, a regular photo ID will work.

Not only will you be saving a life, but giving blood in Hendersonville could win you airline tickets as well.  That’s not a bad deal no matter how you look at it.  You never know.  The life you save may be your own.  Happy Holidays, everybody!

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Western North Carolina real estate blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2627274/giving-blood-in-hendersonville-could-win-you-airline-tickets.

The city’s official welcome to the holiday season will take place on Friday, November 25, 2011 at the Downtown Hendersonville Historic Courthouse on First and Main.  Beginning at 5pm, anyone in attendance will have the opportunity to enjoy a free carriage or trolley ride.  Santa will be strolling around for all the boys and girls to visit with.  The tree lighting itself takes place at 6pm.  Afterward, get a head start on your shopping by visiting the great merchants in the downtown Hendersonville area.

Bring the family, including all of your out of town guests, to downtown Hendersonville for the Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration the day after Thanksgiving.  It’s definitely a fun way to kick off the holiday season.

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Hendersonville real estate blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2608068/downtown-hendersonville-christmas-tree-lighting.

The Grove Park Inn will be hosting its annual gingerbread house competition in

Contestants are allowed to bring their entries to the Vanderbilt Atrium (Level 7) from 2pm to 7pm on Sunday, November 13th and again from 7am to 8:30am on Monday, November 14th.  Judging will begin in the Grand Ballroom (Level 8) at 9:30am.  Awards will be handed out at 5:30pm and are open for the contestants as well as the general public to attend.  While judges look over all the entries, the public is welcome to participate in a jigsaw puzzle tournament (from 10am to 12pm), a scavenger hunt in the Great Hall (from 1pm to 2pm) or listen to live music performed by the NC Thumbpickers while enjoying an afternoon snack or drink in the Great Hall.  You definitely won’t be bored!

Entries in the Grove Park Inn’s National Gingerbread House Competition here in Asheville will actually get some air time on ABC’s Good Morning America during their December 23rd broadcast.  But you can get a preview by visiting the Inn and taking a tour any Sunday through Thursday until January 1, 2012.  Resort guests, of course, can view the displays anytime they wish.  Hour long tours will be available from 9am to 3pm Wednesdays through Sundays beginning November 16th.  On the tour, your guide will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the gingerbread competition as well as details about judging, how the winning entrants created their magnificent structures and more about the display itself.  The cost for the guided tour is just $12 per adult and $6 for kids ages 12 and under.  Reservations are required (800-438-5800).

Get in the Christmas spirit by either joining in on the Grove Park Inn’s gingerbread house competition in Asheville this Sunday and Monday or by visiting the public display of all entries beginning Wednesday, November 16th.  Christmas is a wonderful time to spend with friends and family.  It also brings out the amazing natural beauty we get to enjoy here in Western North Carolina.  The gingerbread house competition is just one of the fun ways to kick off the holiday season here in Asheville.

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Western North Carolina real estate blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2597573/gingerbread-house-competition-in-asheville.

During the daytime celebration, guests will be treated to the most magnificent holiday decorations you are liable to ever feast your eyes on, including a 35 foot Christmas tree, decked out in ribbons, traditional ornaments and tons of lights.  This is only one of the several Christmas trees you’ll find around the estate.  Garlands sweep along the elegant banisters.  And Antler Hill Village, located on the grounds, is a perfect place to relax with the family and take in the sights.  The conservatory is bursting with red poinsettias, tropical flowers, white Christmas cactus and so much more.

At night, the estate simply glows from the millions of lights strewn about.  The ambiance of the estate takes on a totally different look when lit by thousands of candles.  The warmth of the lit fireplaces will get you in the holiday spirit as well.  The exterior lighting displays will simply take your breath away.

Fine dining is available at the Christmas style buffet.  You’ve never taken a wine tour like this before!  Wine tasting is even better by candlelight.  Do some Christmas shopping for that one-of-a-kind gift that evokes the feeling of days gone by.  The Winter Garden Choir helps ring in the holiday season with Christmas carol favorites.  There’s even a six foot long gingerbread replica of the Biltmore House set up in the main kitchen.

If you’re interested in experiencing Christmas at the Biltmore in Asheville, visit their website to reserve your tickets for the daytime festivities, candlelight evening celebration or even to spend a couple of days there.  Even though Thanksgiving is still a couple of weeks away, it’s never too early to get into the holiday spirit.  And what a unique way to do it!

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Western North Carolina real estate blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2586145/christmas-at-the-biltmore-in-asheville.

Fall is a beautiful time here in 

As of July 1st of this year, the City of Asheville approved changes in the collection of leaves and brush from residential neighborhoods.  Leaves and brush are not collected with regular trash pickups.  In an effort to lower costs and increase customer satisfaction, brush and leaf collection was changed to twice per month from its previous once a month collection schedule.  Also, the City of Asheville will only collect leaves that are bagged and ready for pickup.  The City will provide large leaf bags on a first come, first served basis as supplies last.  You may also get the larger leaf bags at any Asheville fire station.  However, you can use regular trash bags if you would like.  Bagged leaves must be set out at curbside by no later than 7am on the Monday morning of the week your area is scheduled for pickup (click here to view the City of Asheville brush and bagged leaf collection schedule).

When you gather together your tree and shrub trimmings for collection, make sure to place them in loose piles at the curb.  No other debris can be included in the piles.  ”Other debris” would include grass clippings, vines and weeds from your garden (which the City of Asheville does not collect).  If you have thorny trimmings (from rose bushes, for example), put these in a separate pile from the tree and shrub trimmings.  No tree limbs can be longer than 4 feet or larger than 6″ around.  If you have a lawn service that takes care of these, they are responsible for hauling away the debris, not you or the City. 

Bags of leaves should not be tied or be placed in containers with lids.  When using a container for leaf collection, please write “leaves” or “brush” in large letters on the outside of the container so City collection personnel will be able to identify it without difficulty.  Otherwise, it may be mistaken for regular trash and not picked up at the proper time.  It is illegal to burn leaves within the City of Asheville.  People caught doing so can be fined anywhere from $250-$500 by the Fire Marshall, may be arrested and can receive additional fines from the City of Asheville as well.

Finally, one of the best possible ways to get rid of your leaves is to compost them for future use on your gardens and lawn.  This natural fertilizer works wonders for moisture retention, warding off bugs and cultivating beautiful landscaping.  By spring, you’ll be good to go!

Leaf collection in Asheville is fairly easy if you follow a few simple rules.  Keep our streets and gutters free of debris so that water can drain properly, reducing the risk of flooding streets.  Most of all, enjoy the beautiful fall picture that Mother Nature graces us with every year here in Western North Carolina.

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Western North Carolina real estate blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2563454/leaf-collection-in-asheville.