Henderson County Market Stats Feb 2013

Overall, the Henderson County real estate market is seeing improvements from previous years. Total homes sold in 2012 were up a whopping 31% over 2011’s figures (989 in 2011 vs 1355 in 2012). The amount of days a home was on the market before it sold went down 23% (from 226 in 2011 to 179 in 2012).

Median home prices closed out the year at $160,000, down from the $173,000 we saw in December 2011. However, the average median home price for the entire year was exactly the same as the previous year ($168,000). January 2013 closed out the month with a median sales price of $170,000.

The ratio of initial asking price to final sales price for a Henderson County home has been steadily increasing over the last few years. In 2011, sellers were getting 92% of list price. In 2012, they were getting 93%. Last month, the average final sale price was 94% of the initial listing price. Experts predict that prices will start to increase even more throughout 2013 as demand for housing increases. So, we expect these numbers to get even better. That’s great news if you’re planning on selling your Henderson County home soon.

The Henderson County real estate market is experiencing a steady increase. We may not be seeing the astronomical rise we saw in the mid-2000’s, but it is definitely headed in a positive direction. It’s a great time to purchase a home because interest rates remain amazingly low. It’s also a great time to sell your Henderson County home. Sellers are finalizing sales closer to the initial list price than they have in several years and the median prices are going up. When you’re ready to either buy or sell your Henderson County home, please contact me.

FEATURED HENDERSONVILLE HOME FOR SALE

For more information on this and other Henderson County homes for sale, please click here.

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Western North Carolina real estate blog here: http://rich-cooke.com/2013/02/21/henderson-county-real-estate-market-feb-2013/.

Hendersonville Fire Dept Scam Warning

ATTENTION: Hendersonville citizens.  Earlier this week, the fire department issued a scam warning.  Recently, the department was made aware that someone has been calling Hendersonville residents claiming they are with the Hendersonville Fire Department and soliciting money on their behalf.  The fire department wants area residents to know that they do not actively solicit money.  They receive their funding from the City of Hendersonville’s general fund.

If you do receive a phone call from someone claiming to be with the Hendersonville Fire Department and asking you for money, do not give them any of your financial information.  Instead, get their name and contact information.  Then, call the Hendersonville Fire Department at (828) 697-3024.  Don’t ever give your personal financial information to anyone asking for money over the phone.  It is too easy for identity thieves to use this information to ruin your credit.

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Western North Carolina real estate blog here: http://rich-cooke.com/2013/02/13/hendersonville-fire-dept-scam-warning/.

Hendersonville Snow Tubing

Chilly weather doesn’t mean you always have to stay indoors. How about a ride down Moonshine Mountain? No…there’s no actual “moonshine” involved, just pure, snow tubing joy. You won’t find skiers, snowboarders or even sledders there since only snow tubing is allowed on this Hendersonville mountain!

Moonshine Mountain in Hendersonville offers 500 feet of steep, tubing bliss. While they currently have a five foot base, they do make their own snow when needed. The tubers lift will take you to the top of the mountain. There is a 250 lb weight limit for the lift, though. If you exceed this limit, one of the helpful Moonshine Mountain employees will be happy to pull your tube up the hill for you while you walk with them. It’s also the only place in the entire southeast that allows trains (more than one tuber going down the hill in a row together). You must be at least 48″ tall and sign a liability release beforehand. If you are under 18, you will need to have your parent or guardian sign the release form. Trains cannot be longer than eight people max.

Also new for this year is Dino World. Yes, Hendersonville now has dinosaurs! This free attraction showcases life-sized replicas of several different dinosaurs. There’s also a jump castle slide that provides fun for all ages. When you’re hungry, feast on mouth-watering BBQ or warm up with a nice hot chocolate at the award-winning Pit Boss Bar-B-Que. For more information on Moonshine Mountain’s hours and prices, please click here.

Get out of the house and enjoy some fun, healthy exercise with the family. Go snow tubing at Hendersonville’s Moonshine Mountain. They provide the tubes while you create lots of great family memories.

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Western North Carolina real estate blog here: http://rich-cooke.com/2013/02/07/hendersonville-snow-tubing/.

Hendersonville Christmas Tree Disposal

I certainly hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with their loved ones. I certainly did! It’s sad to see the decorations coming down. You spent so much time decorating your tree that you are probably going to want to keep it up at least until after the new year. But, what do you do with it after that? The City of Hendersonville has the answer to your Christmas tree disposal question. Recycle!

The first Saturday of the new year (January 5, 2013), the City will be accepting Christmas trees from Hendersonville and Henderson County residents for recycling. Just bring your tree to Jackson Park’s Ballfield #6 (801 Glover Street) between 8:30am and 2pm. They will turn all recycled trees into mulch, which works great for your spring garden. If you bring a bucket, you can take some mulch home with you. Just make sure all decorations and tinsel are completely discarded before you take your tree to the park. This service is provided absolutely free of charge.

Don’t just set your tree out on the curb for pickup. Recycle it into healthy, nutrient-rich mulch to nourish Hendersonville gardens in the future. Bring it to Jackson Park on January 5th for the Hendersonville Christmas tree disposal event. Have a Happy New Year, everyone!

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Western North Carolina real estate blog here: http://rich-cooke.com/2012/12/27/hendersonville-christmas-tree-disposal/.

Hendersonville Holiday Performances

Have you finished your Christmas shopping or are you still trying to figure out what to give to whom? If you’re like many people around the country, you are probably still scrambling to figure out how to get everything done in time. The Blue Ridge Mall is probably foremost on your agenda. While you’re there shopping, you can enjoy some wonderful Hendersonville holiday performances.

Beginning this weekend, there are special holiday performances scheduled almost every day at Center Court in Hendersonville’s Blue Ridge Mall. Here is a list of what to expect:

December 15, 2012 When: 3pm to 6:30pm. Who: The Hendersonville Community Orchestra, French Broad Baptist Church, Hope Academy, Mud Creek Baptist Church and Curtis Corn Ministries.

December 16, 2012 When: 2pm to 5pm. Who: Salvation Army Brass, French Broad Baptist Church.

December 17, 2012 When: 6pm. Who: New Beginnings World Outreach Center.

December 18, 2012 When: 6pm to 7pm. Who: Curtis Corn Ministries.

December 20, 2012 When: 6pm to 7pm. Who: Our Fathers Hearts and Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.

December 21, 2012 When: 6pm. Who: JE Force.

December 22, 2012 When: 1pm to 6pm. Who: Carolina Quartet and Little River Baptist Church.

December 24, 2012 When: 10am to 4pm. Who: TreBass Quartet.

Come listen to classic holiday tunes while you take care of your Christmas list. The Blue Ridge Mall will be hosting several Hendersonville holiday performances that are sure to put you in a festive mood. Happy holidays, everybody!

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Western North Carolina real estate blog here: http://rich-cooke.com/2012/12/13/hendersonville-holiday-performances/.

Historic Hendersonville Cookie Caper

Ahhh! Can you smell that? Christmastime is in the air. It seems everywhere you look, decorations abound. That even includes our cherished historic Hendersonville inns. For anyone who enjoys history and the holidays, you’re in for a real treat. Hop in your car this Sunday, December 9th, to join in on the Historic Hendersonville Cookie Caper.

From 1pm to 5pm, six of Hendersonville’s beautiful turn-of-the-century inns will waiting in anticipation of your arrival. They have all been decked out in classic holiday fashion. Since this is a self-guided tour, you can come and go as you please and visit the inns in any order you wish. Each inn will provide visitors with a special Christmas treat. So, make sure you stop inside instead of just driving by.

Tickets are $20 per person. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Hendersonville Historic Preservation Commission’s special projects. They can be picked up anytime before Sunday at the Historic Courthouse’s Heritage Museum, Fountainhead Bookstore and City Hall’s Planning Office. On Sunday, you can purchase your tickets at the Hendersonville Visitors Center.

The Historic Hendersonville Cookie Caper celebrates three things: history, holidays…and COOKIES! Pick up your tickets today for your trip back in time. Your brain and your taste buds will thank you. Happy holidays!

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Western North Carolina real estate blog here: http://rich-cooke.com/2012/12/06/historic-hendersonville-cookie-caper/.

Hendersonville Ole Timey Christmas

The Curb Market in Hendersonville has been in operation for 88 years.  From their humble beginnings as a place for the extra produce farmers in the outlying areas brought to the local “city folk”, the market has become a local tradition with Hendersonville residents for the freshest in produce as well as handmade crafts.  This Saturday, November 24th, the Curb Market will get into the spirit of the holidays with their annual Hendersonville Ole Timey Christmas.

From 8am to 2pm, vendors will be offering up their usual fruits, vegetables, fresh cut flowers, plants, jams, jellies and baked goods.  In addition to the regular fare, however, holiday items such as Christmas wreaths and decorations will also be available for purchase.  Get a start on your Christmas list by picking up a unique, handmade gift for that someone special.  You can also bring home some great freshly baked items to share with family around the dinner table.

If you’re looking for something special for the holidays, come to the Hendersonville Ole Timey Christmas at The Curb Market this Saturday, November 24th from 8am to 2pm.  The market’s normal hours of operation are 8am to 2pm every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.  Support local artisans and farmers by purchasing your produce and other items at The Curb Market.

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Hendersonville real estate blog here: http://rich-cooke.com/2012/11/23/hendersonville-ole-timey-christmas/.

Hendersonville Gingerbread House Contest

The holidays are upon us. Thanksgiving is just two weeks away and Christmas will soon follow. Decorations are going up, holiday sales are already being advertised and it’s almost time for Hendersonville‘s Gingerbread House Contest.

The National Gingerbread House Contest will take place on Saturday, November 17th. Judging will take place in four separate categories: Child (ages 5-8), Youth (ages 9-12), Teen (ages 13-17) and Adult (ages 18+). To enter, you must send in your entry form with a description and/or photos of what your entry so that it is received by the Grove Park Inn before 5pm on Monday, November 12th. Entries can be sent via fax or mail. Just make sure it is received before the deadline. You will not be able to enter a gingerbread house into competition without pre-registering. Beginning November 20th, The Grove Park Inn will be displaying the winning entries for visitors to see. Of course, the rest of the hotel will be decked out in all its holiday glory as well.

Thousands of dollars in cash and prizes are up for grabs for the winners of Hendersonville‘s Gingerbread House Contest. The top three winners declared in each category will receive cash and prizes, with the top 10 winners each receiving a ribbon. While this is a gingerbread “house” contest, entries are not strictly limited to a house-type structure. The only restrictions are that the entry is no bigger than 24″ x 24″ x 24″, including the board base required. If you’re interested in participating, please download an entry form here or call The Grove Inn’s Special Events Department at (800) 438-0050 ext 8045.

Put a bit of fun in your holiday step by visiting The Grove Inn in Hendersonville to see the winning entries of the National Gingerbread House Contest beginning November 20th through January 2nd. The holiday season is in full swing here in Hendersonville. I love it!

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Western North Carolina real estate blog here: http://rich-cooke.com/2012/11/08/hendersonville-gingerbread-house-contest/.

Christmas Comes Early to Asheville’s Biltmore

I know we literally just finished celebrating Halloween and Thanksgiving is still three weeks away, but it’s already Christmas in Asheville. This year, Christmas comes early to Asheville’s Biltmore Estate. Beginning this Saturday, November 3rd and continuing through to the new year, the historic home will be decked out in all its Christmas finery for daytime visitors.

From 9am to 4:30pm every day, visitor’s to Asheville‘s Biltmore Estate will be treated to dozens of Christmas trees, including the 35 foot fir tree loaded with oversized ornaments located in the Banquet Hall. The grand staircase is made even grander with dozens of feet of beautiful garlands woven throughout the banister. Hundreds of poinsettias bring a dash of holiday color to this Asheville home’s 250 rooms. Take a step back in time by visiting the Antler Hill Village on the grounds. The Conservatory holds a real treat for the eyes, with color exploding from every room.

The Biltmore will be holding free seminars on how to make your very own Christmas wreaths at home as well as other fun, traditional holiday decorations. Sign up for a red wine and chocolate tasting (for an additional fee). You can even start your Christmas shopping early by visiting the gift shop for a unique present under your family’s tree this year. To really get you in the mood, traditional organ music will play throughout the entire first floor, emanating from the Earnest Skinner crafted organ located in the Banquet Hall.

Tickets for the day celebration are $59 for adults and $29.50 for kids ages 10-16. You can make your reservation now by visiting their website. Each ticket includes a self-guided tour of the estate, access to the gardens, Antler Hill Village and the current in-house exhibit The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad and a complimentary wine tasting (for the adults) as well as guided tour of the estate’s own winery. Christmas comes early to Asheville‘s Biltmore Estate. Take a step back in time with your family at the largest privately owned home in the country.

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Western North Carolina real estate blog here: http://rich-cooke.com/2012/11/01/christmas-comes-early-to-ashevilles-biltmore/.

Hendersonville Fall Harvest Days

Fall has definitely landed in Hendersonville. The leaves are changing. The air is coldly crisp. Can you believe we’re already in the middle of October? That means that Hendersonville Fall Harvest Days are almost here.

From October 25th through the 27th, the Apple Country Antique Engine & Tractor Association will holds it’s 27th Annual Antique Engine and Tractor Show at the Western North Carolina Fall Harvest Days. Gates will open at the WNC Agricultural Center in Arden, NC promptly at 6pm on Thursday and 8am on Friday and Saturday. In addition to the antique tractors, there will be an antique peanut roaster, a sawmill, crafts workers, blacksmiths, corn milling demonstrations and food vendors on-site throughout the entire three days. More than 250 vendors will be selling tractor and gas engine parts, toys, collectibles and other items as well. On Saturday, Hendersonville area residents can participate in the kiddie and adult pedal pulls at 12pm. The big boys will be competing in a tractor pull using farm tractors from 1964 and older at 10am the same day.

Admission is just $8 per day for anyone ages 12+ or $20 for all three days. Children under 12 will get in free with a paid adult. Come to the Hendersonville Fall Harvest Days October 25-27, 2012 in Arden, NC. It’s old fashioned country fun for everyone!

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Western North Carolina Real Estate blog here: http://rich-cooke.com/2012/10/18/hendersonville-fall-harvest-days/.