Whether you are visiting our amazing area or are already lucky enough to call Western North Carolina home, you will find Splasheville a fun new way to beat the heat.

From American Style Magazine:

Readers flew “the Land of the Sky” into the top spot in the Small Cities category for the first time this year. A walk along the streets of Asheville will prove why it deserves this honor, from the Art Deco buildings seen all over the city (including the town’s city hall) to the more than 50 galleries representing every medium. Reader Mark Flowers, of Alexander, N.C., explains, “Asheville’s creative scene runs from the visual art, the handmade craft arts, the music arts, down to the amazing small brewery arts. It’s a total package that brings me downtown whenever I am near.”

With two new public arts programs, Asheville is undergoing a downtown renaissance. In the city’s historical center, known as Pack Square, a new park opened this spring. Along with lush green space, Pack Square Park features an interactive water fountain (aptly named “Splashville”), an amphitheater decorated with handmade tiles, and original works of art by local artists.

Local artists also inspired the new Asheville signage program. More than 300 signs direct visitors and residents to almost 90 attractions, but what makes these signs special is in the details. The city’s artists were commissioned to create unique sign elements in the form of blown glass, bronze and wrought iron.”

Original article: American Style Magazine:

From Examiner.com

Asheville, North Carolina is BeerCity USA 2010.  While Portland, Oregon organized a healthy challenge against the western North Carolina city of Asheville, in the end the relentless craft beer enthusiasm for Asheville won out.

Full Article on Examiner.com

Mission Manna’s current efforts are focused in three main areas:
• Curbing Malnutrition
• Dispensary Construction
• Medical Missionary Trips

Please visit us at: www.missionmanna.org and join us on May 25th to:
• Enjoy live music by Kellin Watson Band and The Honeycutters.
• Shop at our silent auction featuring Haitian art and local jewelry, art, services and gift certificates.

A benefit for Mission Manna’s work to provide medical care for malnourished children in Haiti.
Sponsored by Siemens Law Office, PA, Beverly-Hanks & Associates, Green Man Ales; and Jack of the Wood.

$10 admission

Consider Haiti at www.missionmanna.org

While our market has been on an upward swing since last July, significant questions have yet to be answered. What will happen when the federal tax incentives for homebuyers expire at the end of April?  Most all predict rising interest rates in the months ahead, what impact will that have upon housing? Will we in fact see an increased supply of distressed and bank owned properties as many are forecasting? My personal belief is that the answer to these questions will largely be determined by the overall trajectory of the economy and at present it is headed in a positive direction. If the economy continues to improve, and unemployment numbers along with it, we will continue to see improving consumer confidence. Consumer confidence may be one of the most important factors to the real estate industry at present. People simply are reluctant to invest in big ticket items when they are uncertain about the future.

The fact is we should see improved real estate statistics for our region in the coming months. I believe the percentage of sales generated from tax incentives has been less in our area than in many parts of the country leading me to believe that the prospects are very good for continued positive momentum in the Western North Carolina real estate sector. The spring and summer months will be very important in determining the course of this recovery. Inventory levels remain at high levels but are declining in some price points and neighborhoods and interest rates remain at very low levels from a historical standpoint. For sellers, pricing remains a critical component in the ability to consummate a sale. For buyers willing to do their homework, there may never have been a better time to buy. In either case, the advice of a seasoned real estate professional is a key component to successfully navigating the real estate waters of 2010. The expert Broker Associates at Beverly-Hanks and Associates stand ready to assist you and would consider a privilege to do so.

Warm Regards,

Neal Hanks

Download the 2010 1st Quater Market Report

“The city on the edge of the Appalachian Mountains features a funky and eclectic downtown, more than 30 art galleries, a large culinary scene and one of the most spectacular estates ever constructed in this country. ”

We welcome the First Family to our Area!

Read the entire article here: http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/48HoursIn/president-obama-vacations-asheville-art-galleries-restaurants-history/story?id=10434607

The survey also found just over 10 percent (12.3%) of Americans planning to purchase investment property in the near future say they will pay for the property using 100 percent cash, and 12.8 percent will use cash for more than 50 percent of the purchase price and finance the rest. Almost half (49.2%) say they will buy the property with less than 50 percent cash down and finance the remainder. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that one in three U.S. homes are owned free and clear, without a mortgage.

Read the full article here: http://www.realtor.com/realestate-news/investorinterestinrealestatetriples.aspx

“If you are considering whether or not to purchase a home in the near future, let us discuss why this might be the optimal time to do so. There are five excellent reasons to buy a home now instead of waiting until later. Let’s go over them quickly in this post.”

1.) The Homebuyer’s Tax Credit
2.) Low Interest Rates Currently Available
3.) Location, Location, Location
4.) Real Estate Has Always Been a Good Long Term Investment
5.) The House Is a Home First and an Investment Second

Read the entire post by Steve Harney here.

Beverly-Hanks & Associates in Waynesville has teamed up with Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation to host an adoption day on Saturday, April 17, from 10AM-2PM. Stop by our Beverly-Hanks office located at 124 Branner Avenue in Waynesville to find out more information about Sarge’s.  You might also find yourself becoming the forever family of one of these sweet animals.  You can support Sarge’s in various ways including contributions of money, food, or time, becoming a foster family, or adopting a forever friend.  

Beverly-Hanks has been helping families find Waynesville homes since 1976 and we are thrilled to be helping some animals find their forever home as well.  We look forward to meeting you on Saturday!

Waynesville, NC offers a small town atmosphere along with all of the larger city amenities. The mountain views, pure stream, cool summer weather, and friendly people make Waynesville one of the few pristine places in the Southeast. Walking and hiking trails abound. Even the recreation department has a walking trail that meanders along the side of a rushing stream.

The farmers’ market sells fresh vegetables, fruits, and flowers in season. Waynesville, NC also has several festivals throughout the year with exciting entertainment on Main Street. Christmas in Waynesville is magical with caroling and hot cider served to all that shop on Main Street.

Waynesville and the surrounding area offers a large variety of homes sure to please everyone. Whether you are looking for small homes or large tracks of land, log homes, or custom built houses-Waynesville real estate is worth visiting. 

So, if you are thinking of relocating or investing in a second home, take time to explore Waynesville homes for sale. You will be overwhelmed by this friendly place and its people. See you soon!