New Website and New Programs Added to BRCC

The offices at the Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock are buzzing with excitement over new programs added to their curriculum as well as a brand new website unveiled just this week.  In addition to the regular programs offered to their students, BRCC will now provide degrees in office administration/virtual office assistance as well as fire protection technology.  Three more programs (1-accounting, 2-film and video production technology and 3-simulations and game development) are now under review for approval by the Board of Trustees as of last Friday. 

The BRCC’s new website has been updated to make it easier for its visitors to navigate.  Current students, which include curriculum students as well as continuing education students, will find information on registration dates, child care, the college library, updated weather info, links to obtaining their transcripts and information to their online student programs called Moodle.  Prospective students can learn more about what BRCC has to offer, including student services, curriculum, registration dates and signing up for a campus tour of the Flat Rock facilities.  BRCC offers a Distance Learners program which allows students to attend from anywhere online.  There is a Henderson County JobLink Center, which offers students help to find what job fits them, assistance in searching for jobs, funding for job training and coaching to increase job seeking skills.  There are many more services and programs available through the BRCC website.  Stop by and take a look around.  You’ll be happy with what you find.

 

2 Days + 5 Easy Projects = Increased Curb Appeal

We all know that you won’t get a second chance to make a first impression when you go to sell your home.  Curb appeal is the first introduction any buyer will have to your home.  That’s why it’s important to dress your nest to its fullest potential from the outside in.  Here are some quick ways to boost your curb appeal that won’t take you longer than the weekend to accomplish:

1. Use symmetry – Symmetrical compositions are not only appealing to the eye, but they are easy to create.  Having identical floral arrangements on either side of a front door creates a lovely frame to your entryway.  Likewise, hanging identical light fixtures on either side of the door enhances the front door’s appeal.

2. Update the hardware – Kitchens and bathrooms aren’t the only places where fixtures need refreshing.  Doorknobs, door knockers, doorbells, house numbers and even mailboxes could use a freshening up as well.  Replacing the door hardware can make an old door appear new again and at much less of an out of pocket cost, too.

3. Garden in a box – Liven up the front entryway or windows instantly by adding flowers or plants to simple garden boxes or containers.  Visit your local garden center to get whatever flowers are currently in bloom, add them to a decorative container and place them around your front door, porch and windows.  This is a simple and quick way to brighten up a drab entrance.

4. Art isn’t just for your walls – Create a beautiful focal point by adding a water fixture, birdbath, sculpture or even wind chimes.  This is beautiful art for the outside of your home.

5. Frame your home – Replacing worn out shutters, repainting aging shutters or even installing shutters on the windows where there weren’t any before gives your home a nice facelift.  Paint the trim and shutters a bright color to make them pop out.

These are just a few of many quick and easy projects that you can do over a weekend to increase your curb appeal.  Even if you aren’t looking to sell your home soon, it’s a nice time of year to brighten up your home after the winter doldrums.  If you’re ever in the need for help with your Western North Carolina real estate needs, make sure to give me a call.  I’m always happy to help.