BiggerPockets

Inexpensive Kitchen Makeovers

Thursday, January 19

They say that the kitchen is the heart of a home.  It's also one of the biggest selling points in Western North Carolina real estate.  If you're thinking about selling your home soon, you may want to give your kitchen a facelift.  You don't have to break your piggy bank to make an impression.  There are several ways you can give your kitchen an inexpensive makeover.

The first and cheapest way to make your Western North Carolina kitchen shine is to get down to the nitty gritty.  A deep, thorough cleaning can make a dingy kitchen sparkle like new.  That means wiping down all surfaces, bleaching the grout (if necessary), cleaning out the cobwebs, scrubbing the baseboards, washing down the backsplash and moving furniture and appliances (stove, refrigerator, dishwasher) to get at all the crumbs and dirt that accumulates.  Your oven should be cleaned inside AND out.  Don't think for a minute that a potential buyer will pass up the opportunity to open up your cabinets, pantry or oven door to see what's going on inside.

Next, consider a fresh coat of paint.  Avocado and mustard are great to eat.  As far as colors for your kitchen go, however, they don't make your mouth water.  Light (but not too bright) colors will help bring your kitchen out of the disco age and into the 21st century.  At under $20 per gallon, it's a great deal. 

Kitchen cabinets can become dull quickly.  Liven things up by adding some molding, updating/adding new hardware and dressing them up with new paint.  You can paint them the same color as the walls (which may help make smaller kitchens appear larger) or have them stand out even more by using a color that compliments your walls.  There's no sense spending good money on new cabinets if the old ones are still in good condition.

Finally, consider splurging on just one high end item.  A new custom hood over the stove, a special backsplash, upgraded lighting or even a plate rack can make it look like you spent thousands on the kitchen.  Visit a mass retailer for ideas and deals.

Updating your Western North Carolina kitchen's look doesn't have to mean spending your children's college fund.  There are several inexpensive ways to give your kitchen a makeover.  Some won't even cost you a dime.  Most will only take a weekend to finish.  All of them can help increase your bottom line when it comes time to sell.

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Western North Carolina real estate blog here: http://rich-cooke.com/2012/01/19/inexpensive-kitchen-makeovers/.

Pricing a Home to Sell

Thursday, January 12

On of the main factors in whether your Hendersonville home sells quickly or lingers on the market for a while is the sales price.  A home that is priced too high may turn off potential buyers before they even take one step inside.  Pricing a home to sell takes a little research, which your knowledgeable real estate professional can help you with.

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.

Recycle Your Christmas Tree in Hendersonville

Thursday, January 05

Now that the holidays are over, what do you do with your tree?  This kind of wood burns too hot for an indoor fireplace or wood burning stove and can create a dangerous buildup of creosote (black soot), increasing the chances of a house fire.  Therefore, chopping it up and using it for firewood is not a good idea.  Don't worry, though.  The City of Hendersonville has the solution!

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.

Ride the Polar Express Near Hendersonville

Thursday, December 08

Looking for a fun way to celebrate Christmas with the family?  Take a ride on the Polar Express near Hendersonville.  The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is taking visitors on a magical journey to the North Pole aboard their special Polar Express from now through Christmas Eve.  There's nothing like it!

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.

Giving Blood in Hendersonville Could Win You Airline Tickets

Thursday, December 01

They say this is the season of giving and nothing could be better than the gift of life.  That is exactly what happens when you donate blood.  Sometimes, when you give something, you will get something in return.  Giving blood in Hendersonville could win you airline tickets.  Yes, you read that right.  If you come to the City of Hendersonville Water & Sewer's Activity Room on Thursday, December 8, 2011 to donate blood between 10am and 3pm, you will be eligible to receive one of three pairs of roundtrip airline tickets from Delta Air Lines.

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.

Downtown Hendersonville Christmas Tree Lighting

Thursday, November 17

I can't believe that Thanksgiving is almost here (it happens next Thursday).  Where has the year gone?  After you've recuperated from your turkey hangover, come to beautiful downtown Hendersonville for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration.

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.