What is your carbon footprint? 
Click here to use the EPA's Household Carbon Footprint Calculator.

• Many of our daily activities - such as using electricity, driving a car, or disposing of waste - cause greenhouse gas emissions. Together these emissions make up a household's carbon footprint.
• The calculator estimates your footprint in three areas: home energy, transportation and waste. Everyone's carbon footprint is different depending on their location, habits, and personal choices.
• For an explanation of the calculator's assumptions and sources, see the Assumptions and References page.

Source: EPA
Image: vecteezy.com

Today's Asheville exploration, dog walking at the French Broad River East Bank Corridor. A 2-mile greenway through the River Arts District. With spring quickly approaching, it's a great place to walk your dog, bike, jog, or have a picnic.

Some features:

- Numerous benches for resting and relaxing

- A public restroom

- Art studios, coffee shops, and restaurants

- Dog rest areas/waste disposal stations

- Dock for fishing

- Public parking

- Bike paths

- Picnic tables

- Outdoor sculptures

 

#asheville #ashevilleparks #ashevillenc #avl #828isgreat #outdoors #spring

When do I start preparing my yard and garden for warmer months, right now!

1. Decide how you want to use your outdoor spaces.

Sketch a plan or layout, this will help you plan your new vegetable garden or walking path. Here are a few planners to help you start.
http://bit.ly/GardenPlanners

2. Update your tools if needed.

Make sure your lawnmower, your clippers, and hose are all in good working order. Here are 25 Gardening Tools and Essentials for Year-Round Care http://bit.ly/GardenEssentials

3. Aerate & dethatch your lawn.

Lawn aeration helps loosen compacted soil and allows vital air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots. Dethatching is removing the layer of living and dead grass and other plant material.

Here are a few tips http://bit.ly/ScottsLawnGuide

4. Fertilize.

Start your lawn off right by giving a light dose of fertilizer including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply early spring lawn fertilizer once between February and April. Click here to see a month to month schedule http://bit.ly/FertilizingTips

5. Add mulch.

Mulching helps stimulate plant health and growth. Most mulch will suppress weeds and other undesirable plants in your garden. Weeds compete with our trees and shrubs for vital nutrients and water. If we eliminate the weeds, the plant materials stand a far greater chance of survival. Weeds also make the garden look unsightly and messy. Your local Arden source is BB Barns. http://bit.ly/MulchYard

6. Plan your first seeds and bulbs.

Cool-season vegetables can tolerate colder temperatures and some frost. March is a great time to plant vegetable seeds. http://bit.ly/WNCPlanting

Beautiful summer-flowering bulbs such as dahlias, cannas, and lilies can be planted in spring. If you can take pots under cover at night, you can plant up summer containers and hanging baskets in late spring. http://bit.ly/FlowerCalendar

7. Prepare your plants for cold spells.

Make sure plants are watered before a frost, except for succulents. Cover plants with a cloth or bucket before sunset the night frost is expected and remove the cover in the morning when the temperature warms up above freezing. Cold-hardy succulents need to be covered during a frost as well. If the plants are in containers, they can simply be placed in a sheltered location such as a garage overnight. Source http://bit.ly/PlantFrost

Use a Frost Cloth for trees and shrubs http://bit.ly/PlantBlanket

8. Keep those pesky pests out.

Pests aren’t limited to insects. In WNC they include raccoons, squirrels, bears, groundhogs, and more—anything that invades your garden uninvited. To minimize intrusions, try these strategies:

- Lose the bird feeder and replace it with a birdbath, which you will want to refresh daily. Birds need water, and they will do a lot of insect control on their own.

- Secure trash with bear and raccoon-proof closures. Do not keep sweets in the car and keep car doors locked.

- Choose plants with a minimal appeal to animals and birds. Try the onion family, aromatic herbs, evergreens with pointy leaves or foliage, and plants with fuzzy branches or thorns.

- Eliminate sources of standing water, which allow mosquitoes to breed during warm weather. Check drainage pipes and the shallow dishes holding potted plants. Source http://bit.ly/WNCGrowing
 

For more information on spring planting season visit The Old Farmer's Almanac, Planting Calendar for Asheville, NC http://bit.ly/AlmanacAsheville

If you are buying a home in a seller's market, a well-written letter or "love letter" is one way to get noticed. Beyond paperwork and getting an offer over the asking price, the sellers have an emotional connection to their home. Some sellers prefer choosing a buyer who will love the home as much as they do, regardless of the type of offer. Being able to express that may be difficult without revealing too much.

Unfortunately, what you share may illegally be used against you instead of helping you. It is illegal to discriminate based on a protected class when selling a home. This includes race, color, religion, sex or gender, disability, national origin, or familial status. When it comes to buyer letters, violations of the Fair Housing Act are rare, but they do exist regardless.

"If the reason the seller 'liked' and chose the buyer was because of shared race, religion, national origin, or other characteristics that is a prohibited basis for differential treatment under fair housing law, it is possible the seller could be challenged for their decision." Vince Malta, president of the National Association of Realtors, said by email. (Source: nerdwallet.com)

Carefully consider these best practices before you compose the letter.
Educate your clients about the fair housing laws and the pitfalls of buyer love letters.
If you choose, you can inform your sellers that you will not deliver buyer love letters and advise others that no buyer love letters will be accepted as part of the MLS listing.
Always remind your clients that their decision to accept or reject an offer should be based on objective criteria only.

• If your client vehemently insists on drafting a buyer love letter, do not help your client draft or deliver it.
• Avoid reading any love letter drafted or received by your client.
• Document all offers received and the seller’s objective reason for accepting an offer.

(Source www.nar.realtor)


photo credit www.pexels.com, Yan

Sellers, Focus on the Offers, Not the Letters
When evaluating purchase offers, sellers and real estate agents "should always solely consider the offer — not the people," 

As a seller, here is what to focus on, according to the National Association of Realtors:
- Merits of the offer, like the price and terms.
- Likeliness of the sale to close.
- Financial condition of the buyer.
(Source: nerdwallet.com)

Are you still interested in writing a buyer letter?

Here are some tips.

Address the sellers with a professional greeting. Mr. Smith or Dr. Olivia Smith, for example. Use the seller's name. Your agent can provide that. Include both seller’s names if there is more than one.
You can use a less formal greeting, such as Dear owner of the charming yellow cottage on Garden Lane.

Get to the Point and Not Reveal Too Much
The sellers do not need a timeline of your life from college to now. Make it short and to the point. Explain why you are the best buyer for the home in two or three points, including aspects of the home you would enjoy. Avoid discussing anything that identifies you as being within a protected class. Do not include a family photo. Less is more.

"Our children, Tom and Sarah, will love playing in the large fenced-in backyard. Your vegetable garden would be in great hands. We love growing vegetables at home." 

In this statement the buyer has revealed that they have children, that is a protected class, family status.


photo credit www.pexels.com, mentatdgt

Stay Positive
Focus on the positive side of your home buying journey, avoid stories of past offers on other homes or seeming desperate. Keep it light and focus on the key points.

Why We Love This Home
Sellers always take pride in their home; they know it inside and out. Even if you plan to remodel or change the home in some way, mention only positive features that have drawn you to the home. Leave out remodeling plans. Sellers may cherish the original green tile bathroom you dislike. Return to the property description, floor plan, and listing photos to refresh your memory.

"We have been searching for a 1930s Arts and Craft Bungalow for years. Your restoration beautifully melds modern amenities with the original architectural features; it is exactly what we need!"

photo credit www.pexels.com, cottonbro

Find a Connection
If you are a gardener, mention how much you admired the flower bed in the front yard. If the home has an art studio, mention your artistic abilities and how nice it would be to work there. This may be difficult if the home is empty or staged, then you may focus more on the architectural features, layout, neighborhood, or yard.

"Your basement art studio would be the perfect place for me to paint. I've been painting for 10 years and currently rent a studio space, it would be so nice to be able to work at home."

photo credit www.pexels.com, RF._.studio

Check Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation
Ask that one person you know that corrects everyone's grammar to review your letter. You want to make a good first impression.

Always include a proof of funds (cash buyer) or preapproval letter from your bank.

1.   Pricing - The most important step is pricing your house properly. If you charge too little, then you will always wonder if you lost money on the deal. If your price is too high, you will not get consumers or other REALTORS® to see it. The longer it stays on the market, the more consumers might wonder what is wrong with it.

2.   Understanding The Market - You need to understand the Real Estate market, especially your own neighborhood -
A Professional Licensed REALTOR® should have years of experience with laws, contracts, forms and negotiations. Your REALTOR® can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace, and the price, financing, terms and condition of the competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price.

3.   Availability - You must be willing to be available to show the house at different hours of the day to make sure everyone
may be interested in it will get to see it. If you hire a REALTOR®, they will schedule the appointments and show it on your behalf, and you will not miss any showings.

4.   Generating Traffic - How can you generate traffic for your house and be able to get the word out about it? An experienced
REALTOR® will not only list your home on MLS but will have other resources and marketing strategies for increased exposure
for your house!

5.   Criticism - Can you be patient and understanding with criticism? You will need to be able to handle all different types of personalities and be able to keep your "cool" under pressure, even with non-qualified buyers. You need to have patience and the right temperament for criticism, questions, and repeat showings, and can you pre-approve a buyer? Remember that buyers are not looking to be your friend.

6.   Answering Concerns Properly - Can you be available to answer questions by phone, email, text, meet-ups and be sure you are answering them correctly? Buyers may not respect your time and want immediate answers to their concerns. By you answering any of their concerns in the wrong manner, you can squash the deal!

7.   Will You Be Pushing Buyers Away - If you sell your house on your own, buyers will be looking for a deal from you. If a REALTOR® was listing your home, you can expect to get the highest, true market value for it. Some sellers may believe their home is worth more and will remove many potential buyers because it is not priced competitively.

8.   Relocation Buyers - If you do not use a REALTOR®, how are you going to attract out of state buyers? You might be eliminating a whole group of buyers that will never see your house because relocation buyers will not know about it.

9.   Professional Networking - REALTORS® network with other professionals in the industry, many who can provide services that you may need. REALTORS® can give you a list of references with whom they have worked and provide background information to help you make a wise selection, besides networking with other Realtors who will be showing your home.

10.   Contracts and Closing - Another important function of a REALTOR® is to make sure that all the paperwork is handled correctly. Do you want to get through all the stress of listing and selling your house or condo and then find out something that could have been avoided but is now a deal-breaker?
Can you close the sale of your home without being overwhelmed? Your REALTOR® should be with you throughout the entire process and is the best person to objectively help you resolve any unforeseen issues.

Photo credits: PEXELS.com, Gabby K, Andrea Piacquadio, Khwanchai Phanthong

 

ARTS AND CRAFTS
 466 Elk Mountain Scenic Highway, Asheville
Listing Agent Warrene Williams
Sold, Off Market in 2021

COMMON ARTS & CRAFT HOME FEATURES
Low-pitched roof lines, usually a gabled roof, occasionally a hip roof
Deeply overhanging eaves
Exposed rafters or decorative brackets under eaves
Wide front porch beneath extension of main roof or front-facing gable
Tapered, square columns supporting porch roof
4-over-1 or 6-over-1 double-hung windows
Shingle roofs and siding
Hand-crafted stone and/or woodwork
Mixed materials throughout structure
 

BUNGALOW
44 Hollywood Street, Asheville
Listing Agent Joye King Steele
Sold, Off Market 2020

COMMON BUNGALOW HOME FEATURES
One or two level
Low-slung roof
Simple design
Cottage-like look
Found in older neighborhoods
Wide porches with tapered square columns
Small footprint
 

CAPE COD 31 Ambler Road, Asheville
Listing Agent Sandy Lindsey
Sold, Off Market 2020

COMMON CAPE COD HOME FEATURES
Symmetrical appearance with front entry centered
Steep roof with side gables
Small roof overhang
1 or 1½ stories
Wood frame with lap, shake, or shingle siding
Chimney located at gable end of house
Gabled dormers
Multi-paned, double-hung windows
 

RANCH 10 Brookwood Road, Asheville
Listing Agent Emily Short
Sold, Off Market 2020

COMMON RANCH HOME FEATURES
Single story
Long, low-pitch roofline
Asymmetrical rectangular, L-shaped, or U-shaped design
Simple, open floor plans
Living areas separate from the bedroom(s) area
Attached garage
Sliding glass doors opening onto a patio
Windows with a large glass area, sometimes decorated with non-functional shutters
Vaulted ceilings with exposed beams often in combination with tongue and groove roof decking
Mixed material exteriors of stucco and brick, wood or stone
Deep overhanging eaves
Cross-gabled, side-gabled or hip roof
 

CONTEMPORARY 21 Alabama Avenue, Asheville
Listing Agent LeNoir Medlock
Sold, Off Market 2020

COMMON CONTEMPORARY HOME FEATURES 
Open floor plans
Multi-level
Clean lines inside and out
Unusual window shapes and placement
Incorporates the latest in materials and finishes, appliances, lighting
 

MODERN 405 W Haywood Street, Asheville
Listing Agent Denise Legendre
Sold, Off Market in 2020

COMMON MODERN HOME FEATURES
Often composed of geometric shapes
Flat roofs, with or without a slight pitch
Architects reinterpret the style
Suited to today’s tech-savvy buyers
Clean lines and lots of windows
 

MID-CENTURY MODERN 30 Deanwood Circle, Asheville
Listing Agent Katie Wangrin
Sold, Off Market 2020

COMMON MID-CENTURY HOME FEATURES
One-story homes with open-concept layout
Large windows
Integration with nature
Flat planes
Geometric roof angles
Sliding-glass doors
Changes in elevation
 

COTTAGE 33 Woodvale Avenue, Asheville
Listing Agent LeNoir Medlock
Sold, Off Market 2020

COMMON COTTAGE HOME FEATURES
Exterior materials locally sourced
Fairly steeply pitch roof with gables or dormers
Simple and interiors
Small footprint on small lots
Found in rural and urban areas
Well-crafted
Natural siding
Have porches or patios
 

TUDOR 72 Windsor Road, Asheville
Listing Agent Simone Bernhard
Sold, Off Market 2019

COMMON TUDOR HOME FEATURES
Steeply pitched roof
Overlapping front-facing gables
Front exterior mostly covered in brick with timber accent framing 
Multiple prominently placed brick or stone chimneys
Tall windows with rectangular or diamond-shaped details
Front doors with almost castle-like appearance, usually off-center with an arch at the top
 

EUROPEAN 129 Orvis Stone Circle, Biltmore Lake
Listing Agent Barb Fiedler
Sold, Off Market 2019

COMMON EUROPEAN HOME FEATURES
Stucco, stone, classic brick, or a combination exterior
Detached garage or guest house
Includes French, Spanish, Italian (including Tuscan), and English styles
Steeply-pitched hip or gable rooflines
Decorative details
Tile roof
 

CIRCULAR 76 Hawks Pointe Ln, Weaverville
Listing Agent Doug Sherry
Sold, Off Market 2019

COMMON CIRCULAR HOME FEATURES
Energy efficient
Open living areas
Require less building materials
Earthquake and wind resistant
Multi-level
Many windows
No load-bearing walls
Self-supporting roof system
 

COLONIAL 10 Cherry Lane, Asheville
Listing Agent Juanita Swann-Gilbert
Sold, Off Market 2018

COMMON COLONIAL HOME FEATURES
Symmetrical, multi-paned windows
Symmetrical facades of brick or clapboard
Gable roofs
Often have a centrally located entry hall with fireplace
Pillars and columns
Two and sometimes three levels
Rectangular shape
 

OLD WORLD 820 Town Mountain Road, Asheville
Listing Agent Pam Autrey-Hester
Sold, Off Market 2019

COMMON OLD WORLD HOME FEATURES
Usually built on large building lots
Tudor style, steeply pitched rooflines
Stone, brick, and/or stucco exteriors
Turrets, spires, and chimneys
Family living areas separated from entertaining areas
Large outdoor entertaining areas
 

FARMHOUSE 28 Crabapple Lane, Asheville
Listing Agent LeNoir Medlock
Sold, Off Market 2019

COMMON FARMHOUSE FEATURES
Often have out buildings, barns and/or garages
Readily available building materials
Covered porch used as extension of interior (front/back or wrap around)
Often have clapboard siding on the exterior
Formal and informal living areas
Simple roof structure with gables
 

TRADITIONAL 116 Alligator Drive, Fletcher
Listing Agent Mitzi Redinger
Sold, Off Market in 2019

COMMON TRADITIONAL HOME FEATURES
Incorporates a wide variety of historical styles
Warm and comfortable feeling inside
Typically have one or more fireplaces
Large front or wrap around porch
Multi-paned windows
Brick, stone or clapboard exterior
Central large kitchen
 

POST AND BEAM 236 Longs Chapel Road, Weaverville
Listing Agent Juanita Swann-Gilbert
Sold, Off Market in 2021

COMMON POST AND BEAM HOME FEATURES
Post and beam is a general term for building with heavy timbers. More specific types of post and beam framing are: Timber framing, an ancient traditional method of building using wooden joinery held together with pegs, wedges and rarely iron straps.
 

TRANSITIONAL 432 Whitfield Lane, Weaverville
Buyer's Agent Margaret Price
Sold, Off Market in 2020

COMMON TRANSITIONAL HOME FEATURES
Transitional style is a balance between Contemporary and Traditional styles
Transitional homes may include:
Metal roof and/or metal railing
Vertical siding
Contrasting shades, tones, and textures on the exterior
Oversize glass windows
Concrete blocks on the exterior façade
Horizontal awnings
 

A-FRAME 154 Timberside Drive, Mars Hill
Listing Agent Doug Sherry
Sold, Off Market in 2020

COMMON A-FRAME HOME FEATURES
Steeply-angled sides (roofline) that forms the letter A
Open interior rafters
Roof that extends to the foundation
Walls of windows
Porches and decks
Open floor plans
 

CABIN 1 Locust Avenue, Asheville
Listing Agent Emily Short
Sold, Off Market in 2020

COMMON CABIN HOME FEATURES
Sloping, single-gabled timbered roof
Small windows
Metal or shingle roof
Covered Porch
Simple design and layout
Logs notched at the ends (log cabin)
Partitioned main level with loft
Built of logs (or log-cabin siding) 
 

VICTORIAN 23 Dortch Avenue, Asheville
Listing Agent LeNoir Medlock
Sold, Off Market in 2016

COMMON VICTORIAN HOME FEATURES
Heavy ornamentation
Gabled roofs
Multi-level
Towers that are functional and decorative
A basement with a cellar
Sash windows with larger panes of glass
Slate or clay roofing (original feature)
Landscaping and/or small gardens
Terraces or Patios
Covered porches