ASHEVILLE, NC TOPS THIS YEAR'S LIST OF THE COZIEST CITIES IN AMERICA

If feeling cozy is important to you, it may be time to consider a move down south.​

BY BRIDGET MALLON

For the third year in a row, Honeywell Heaters has released their list of the Top Ten Coziest Cities In America, and we're definitely ready to pack our bags.

(Yes, spring is predicted to come early, but who can resist a cozy, peaceful home until then?)

To determine which cities offer the best in cozy comfort, Honeywell teamed up with environmental scientist Dr. Ted Myatt, and just like last year, they considered how many restaurants, coffee shops, museums, florists, breweries, and bed and breakfasts each area has. This year, however, they added a few more factors as well, including specialty grocery stores, bookstores, and bakeries (AKA places that instantly make you feel warm and fuzzy).

Topping the list: Asheville, North Carolina, while last year's winner, Portland, Maine, fell to number five.

Grab a blanket and read on to see the full list, below.

1 ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

Asheville's plethora of bookstores, spectacular mountain views, and temperate climate helped the Southern city secure the win.

2 BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

Although it still hasn't reclaimed the top spot — Boston came in first in 2014 — Beantown's second place finish is nothing to scoff at. The city's number two placement is thanks in part to the variety of specialty grocery stores, bookstores and bakeries in the area.

3 SALINAS, CALIFORNIA

2016 is the first time this charming California town has made an appearance on Honeywell's list, but its mild climate, as well as its abundance of bakeries and specialty stores could make it a mainstay.

4 PORTLAND, OREGON

Portland, Oregon impressively moved from number ten to number four this year, thanks in part to its numerous coffee shops and microbreweries.

5 PORTLAND, MAINE

The other Portland may have fallen after earning the top spot last year, but number five is still mighty impressive. The seaside city has the most coffee shops per capita, but is also home to plenty of specialty food shops, bookstores, and restaurants.

6 SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA

This temperate city in California's wine country is obviously home to plenty of wineries, but bakeries, bookstores, farms and forests all abound as well.

7 PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND

Providence fell one spot this year, after finishing sixth in 2015, but its many coffee houses and bakeries still make it a cozy place to live or visit.

8 SPOKANE, WASHINGTON

Making its first appearance on the coziest cities list is Spokane, Washington. The Pacific Northwest city may get a fair amount of snow, but its many coffee shops offer more than enough space to cozy up.

9 PROVO, UTAH

According to Honeywell, Provo is Utah's cultural hub, so there are plenty of opportunities for cozy nights spent enjoying the latest in nighttime entertainment. And the moderate temps mean that winter is never too harsh, even when it snows.

10 CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE

Yet another newcomer to the list, Chattanooga earns its cozy badge of honor thanks to its large number of bookstores and rapidly growing downtown area.

Tis the season...

It is that time of the year when everyone you encounter seems to have the sniffles. Here are some tips to staying well.

1. Get your Zzz’s

Sleep is your most important priority. Lack of sleep deprives your immune system, resulting in a multitude of health consequences.  Need a little help? Melatonin is a great supplement to help you sleep.

2. Hydrate  

Be sure to drink plenty of water. Coffee, tea or soda may be your morning drink of choice, but don’t forget to have water with lunch and throughout the day. Staying hydrated is essential. Bring a portable water bottle with you so you always have fresh water.

3. Wash Your Hands

Washing your hands has been said to be the single easiest way to avoid getting sick.  A best practice is to wash your hands under hot water for at least 30 seconds before and after every meal and each time you visit the restroom.

4. Eat for Your Mind as well as Your Body

If you are going to indulge, instead of stressing about it, make a plan about it. You don’t have to avoid all temptations. However, the key is to splurge in moderation and eat well the rest of the time. Pack healthy snack foods to carry with you during the day. Not only will your waistline thank you, your mind will be more alert.

5. Get By With a Little Help

It’s also a good idea to use an extra supplement, such as Emergen-C, to help keep your immunity strong. 

6. Keep Movin'

Take the stairs, go for a walk.

Little Ways to Save Big on Your Heating Bill

Here are three additional changes you can make this winter that yield worthwhile returns.

Turn it down, not off
Set your thermostat to turn back 7 to 10 degrees F for eight hours while you're away each day; doing so can shave 10 percent off your yearly bill. The optimal temperature for energy savings is 68 to 70 degrees F. However, if you have cast-iron radiators or radiant floor heating, don't touch the dial—you'll waste more energy (and, ultimately, money) by changing the temperature than if you left it alone.

Pad your nest—in the right places
Beefing up the insulation will help cut heating costs, especially if your house is old and drafty. Focus on the attic first, where heat escapes. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that proper insulation can cut as much as 50 percent off your heating bill.

Work with the weather
Boost the efficiency of your boiler by installing an outdoor reset control. On a 40-degree day, your boiler could fire to 180 degrees F every time you need heat, but it needs to reach that temp only when it's zero outside. A weather-sensitive system adjusts the temp based on how cold it actually is. For best results, install the sensor on a north-facing exterior wall away from drying or heating vents, and watch the savings—up to 12 percent—heat up.

Housing Market Forecast for 2016

From Inman...

As we ring in a New Year, Housing News Report asked six prominent economists to forecast what 2016 will bring for the U.S. housing market.

For housing, 2015 was a strong year, with home sales high and home prices continuing to rise.

Overall, the economists surveyed were cautiously optimistic about 2016 when it comes to home prices, home sales, interest rates and the impact of loosening lending standards that have recently been introduced by government agencies. Since 2016 is a Presidential election year, the economists were cagey when it comes to regulatory changes to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Here’s what they are forecasting for 2016:

What will be the most important housing market trend(s) in 2016 and why?

Alex Villacorta, chief economist, Clear Capital: The two most important housing market trends to watch in 2016 will be the continued growth of rental rates and the moderating trend in home prices. The pattern seen in 2015 was largely characterized by a white-hot rental market, and if this continues, more households will likely choose to rent over buy in 2016.

In addition to driving rental prices up and vacancy rates down, this trend disengages an increasing proportion of potential home buyers — evidenced by the lowest homeownership rate in almost 50 years. Adding insult to injury for the purchase market, increasing rental rates continue to make it more difficult for potential buyers to save up for a down payment.

In 2016 we’ll use data from Clear Capital’s Home Data Index to see, at a local level, when the tide turns from rental to purchase demand. Many markets are already hospitable for buyers, but we have yet to see the demand. This implies that consumer confidence and the inability to overcome the barriers to purchase are a real headwind to a fully engaged housing market, especially for first-time home buyers.

As the year evolves we’ll be watching both rent and purchase trends closely, as a waning pattern in rental prices will suggest that momentum is shifting to the broader housing market, which should result in a more robust price growth in 2016.

What are the oldest buildings in Asheville, Buncombe?

Check out this interesting article from the Asheville Citizen Times regarding the oldest buildings in the Asheville area...

Answer Man: What are the oldest buildings in Asheville, Buncombe?

 John Boyle, jboyle@citizen-times.com6:16 a.m. EST January 13, 2016

(Photo: Citizen-Times file photo)

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Today’s batch of burning questions, my smart-aleck answers and the real deal:

Question: What are the oldest buildings in Asheville and Buncombe County that are still in use? What’s the history of the oldest commercial building?

My answer: And let the arguments begin!

Real answer: As a bit of a history buff myself, I got a little carried away on this one.

I talked and emailed with Jack Thomson, executive director of the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County; Jennifer Cathey, restoration specialist with the State Historic Preservation Office, part of the North Carolina Department of Natural & Cultural Resources Western Office; and John Ager, who lives in the oldest house in the county.

The preservation folks and I agreed that it's probably best to use phrases such as “earliest known” or “oldest known surviving" when referring to these structures, as some folks may beg to differ, and some buildings have been renovated or added to over the years.

Having offered that disclaimer, Thomson offered up No. 1 Biltmore Avenue as the oldest operating, strictly mercantile building in Asheville, dating from 1887.

1 Biltmore Avenue, dating to 1887, is the oldest commercial building downtown — probably. It is home to Posana Restaurant on the first floor, offices above. (Photo: John Boyle/jboyle@citizen-times.com)

"Today, it's known as Posana restaurant, with offices above the restaurant," Thomson said. "It housed a very early Masonic Lodge, which moved later to the Drhumor Building. If you look above the entrance to Posana, there’s a pyramid shape, and there's another geometric pattern on the stairs, which are slight indications of the Masonic influence."

But nothing is simple in any of this, and Cathey noted that "some Asheville residents have indicated to me that the three-story brick commercial building at 37 Biltmore may in fact be older."

To further complicate the matter, the building at 29 Ravenscroft Drive downtown, just off Church street near Hilliard, was built in the 1840s, as a residence but transitioned to commercial uses.

"Ravenscroft is identified as the oldest surviving building in the downtown area, built as a private home for Joseph Osbourne, and later occupied by the Ravenscroft School," Cathey said. "Ravenscroft was very stylish for its time and place, its design derived from the picturesque villas promoted by nationally-known designer and taste-maker Andrew Jackson Downing."

The building, now called Ravenscroft Suites, remains in use as office space.

29 Ravenscroft, the oldest building in downtown Asheville, dates to the 1840s. It was built as a residence, but became Ravenscroft School and is now used for office space. (Photo: John Boyle/jboyle@citizen-times.com)

But for the flat-out oldest building, we must move into the county, Fairview to be precise. Thomson tapped another well-known structure for this title, although he left a little wiggle room.

"There are several ruinous buildings out there that are earlier, but the one I can put a nice firm date on is Sherrill’s Inn, which is John and Annie Ager’s house today," Thomson said, referring to the state legislator and his wife. "The earliest portion of the house dates from about 1801."

Parts were built later, though. The National Register of Historic Places offers this summary: "Sherrill's Inn was a way-station for stagecoach travelers and cattle drivers on the 'Hickory Nut Turnpike,' which connected Rutherfordton and Asheville, throughout most of the 19th century. The inn was built sometime between 1839 and 1850 for Bedford Sherrill, who was appointed a Commissioner by the 1841 General Assembly for the purpose of building and keeping up the turnpike."

The house is located on Charlotte Highway in Fairview, on the way to Hickory Nut Gorge.

John Ager offered some additional intriguing nuggets of history about the place.

"We believe the oldest building in the county is a smokehouse that's behind our house, in the courtyard," Ager said. "It was an old smokehouse, or really a smokehouse/blockade — it has gun ports cut into it. We believe that was built in the 1790s."

Their understanding is that structure was built by original settlers John and Nancy Ann Ashworth, or more likely by their slaves.

"We still use it," Ager said. "Then, with the house, we believe the Ashworths lived in that (blockade) when they built the log cabin part of Sherrill’s Inn around 1801."

The Sherrills built the rest of the house in the 1830s, but the log cabin part of the structure is still in use.

Cathey said another structure in the mix is the “Weaver House," which dates to around 1834. In Doug Swaim's 1981 book, "Cabins and Castles," he referred to it as "perhaps the oldest surviving frame building in the county.” The historical information on the home states it was built for Jacob Weaver "as an addition to his original two-story, hall and parlor plan log house."

By the way, the well-known Smith-McDowell House, which now operates as a museum adjoining the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College campus, was built in 1848 and can stake the claim as "oldest brick house in the county," Thomson said.

On the Smith-McDowell House website, it's described as "Asheville's oldest surviving dwelling..."

Cathey pointed out that "what we know about historic buildings in Buncombe County is the result of survey and research that took place in the late 1970s and early 1980s, cooperative projects between the State Historic Preservation Office, the City of Asheville, and Buncombe County. That work was published in two publications — "Cabins and Castles," edited by Doug Swaim, and "Historic Architectural Resources of Downtown Asheville," edited by David Black.

Alrighty then. I now feel like Asheville's oldest surviving Answer Person.

This is the opinion of John Boyle. To submit a question, contact him at 232-5847 or jboyle@citizen-times.com

Winter Home Maintenance Tips

Preparing your home for winter is an important annual ritual for homeowners. For instance, did you know that adding insulation in your attic before winter arrives can help prevent ice dams this winter? And do not forget that tuning up your heating system now can help prevent more costly emergency repairs at the height of a storm, when it can be difficult to find supplies and licensed contractors. The following winter maintenance tips can help you prepare your home to withstand another cold season.

Your Heating System

Before you give your heating system a workout this winter, take the time for preventive maintenance. It may help extend the life of your system and identify potential problems.

Before winter:

• Have your furnace or boiler checked and serviced by a licensed contractor at least once a year, preferably before the heating season begins.
• Clean or replace the furnace filter on forced hot air systems.
• Have your chimney checked and serviced by a licensed contractor at least once a year. Pay particular attention to having creosote buildup removed from chimneys servicing woodstoves and fireplaces.

During winter:

• Have your fuel tanks filled and keep an eye on levels throughout the winter.
• Set your heat no lower than 55 degrees as the temperature inside the walls where water piping is located is colder than the living spaces; open doors to unoccupied rooms to keep an even temperature throughout the house.
• Maintain your wood-burning or pellet stoves according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Your Insulation

Is your insulation prepared to protect you from the cold? As an important line of defense from winter’s gusty winds and freezing temperatures, it is worth taking time to inspect and upgrade insulation and weather stripping before the season starts.

• Add extra insulation in the attic to help guard against ice dams. If too much heat escapes into the attic, it can warm the ice and snow on the roof. When it refreezes, it can cause an ice dam, which can lead to water damage inside your home or possibly even a roof collapse.
• Add weather stripping around doors and caulk windows to guard against drafts and heat loss.
• Remove screens from windows and install storm windows, if appropriate.

Your Utilities

Freezing temperatures can be especially damaging to your home’s water piping. Make sure your pipes are adequately prepared to withstand a cold snap and remember to take extra precautions if you are going to be leaving your home, including shutting off your water.

• Check for water leaks and fix problems immediately; wrap water piping in UL-Listed heat tape and insulate if it is exposed in unheated areas such as garages, crawl spaces or attics. Use only thermostatically-controlled heat tape if your water piping is plastic, and follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.
• Learn how to shut off your water and know where your pipes are located in case they do freeze; you may be able to prevent water damage.

Your Winter Safety Measures

As you prepare for winter, following are some further safety measures that are especially important during the cold season.

• Trim trees and remove dead branches so they do not damage your home or injure someone if they fall because of ice, snow or wind.
• Keep gutters clear of leaves, sticks and other debris to help ensure melting snow can drain properly. Make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
• Repair steps and handrails to make them safer in the ice and snow.
• Check smoke detectors, fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries to ensure they are operating properly.

Your Key Supplies and Equipment

The first storm of the year can come sooner than you think. Stock up early and get key equipment, like snow blowers and generators, in good working condition long before you need them, so you can be prepared to enjoy what the season has to offer.

• Make sure you have snow shovels and a roof rake on hand. Stock your ice melting compound to melt ice on walkways.
• Have your snow blower and generator serviced and any necessary repairs made.
• Keep fuel for snow blowers and generators in approved safety containers and away from heat or flame-producing devices. Do not store fuel in your basement.

Happy New Year from Dwell

Can you believe that 2015 has come and gone?   Seems like we were just looking ahead to 2015 with anticipation and now it is memories.  We are so thankful to each of you who were a part of our success in 2015.

The new year is off to a bang at Dwell Realty.  Our most recent listing, 524 Sweetspire Ridge in Reynolds Mountain is under contract in 10 days...

We are looking forward to what 2016 has in store for our team.

10 Christmas Light Tips to Save Time, Money, and (Possibly) Your Life

 

By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Here’s how to light up your Christmas light display safely and economically.

Christmas lights can be modest displays to show good cheer, or million-bulb light-apaloozas that draw gawkers from near and far. Here are some tips on how to get the most from — and spend the least on — your holiday display.

1.  Safety first. Emergency rooms are filled with homeowners who lose fights with their holiday lights and fall off ladders or suffer electric shocks. To avoid the holiday black and blues, never hang lights solo; instead, work with a partner who holds the ladder. Also, avoid climbing on roofs after rain or snow.

2.  Unpack carefully. Lights break and glass cuts. So unpack your lights gingerly, looking for and replacing broken bulbs along the way.

3.  Extension cords are your friends. Splurge on heavy-duty extension cords that are UL-listed for outdoor use. To avoid overloading, only link five strings of lights together before plugging into an extension cord.

4.  LEDs cost less to light. LED Christmas lights use roughly 70% to 90% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. You can safely connect many more LED light strings than incandescents. Downside: Some think they don’t burn as brightly as incandescent bulbs.

5.  Solar lights cost nothing to run. Solar Christmas lights are roughly four times more expensive to buy than LEDs, but they cost zero to run. They’re a bright-burning, green alternative. Downside: If there’s no sun during the day, there’s no light at night. The jury’s also still out on how long they last; they’re too new on the market for results.

6.  Dismantle lights sooner than later. Sun, wind, rain, and snow all take their toll on Christmas lights. To extend the life of lights, take them down immediately after the holidays. The longer you leave the up, the sooner you’ll have to replace them.

7.  Plan next year’s display on Dec. 26. Shop the after-Christmas sales to get the best prices on lights and blowups that you can proudly display next year. Stock up on your favorite lights so you’ll have spares when you need them (and after they’re discontinued).

8.  Permanent attachments save time. If you know you’ll always hang lights from eaves, install permanent light clips ($13 for 75 clips) that will save you hanging time each year. You’ll get a couple/three years out of the clips before sun eats the plastic.

9.  Find those blueprints. Instead of guessing how many light strings you’ll need, or measuring with a tape, dig up your house blueprints or house location drawings (probably with your closing papers) and use those measurements as a guide.

10.  Store them in a ball. It sounds counterintuitive, but the best way to store lights is to ball them up. Wrap five times in one direction, then turn the ball 90 degrees and repeat. Store your light balls in cardboard boxes, rather than in plastic bags: Cardboard absorbs residual moisture and extends the life of your lights.

Read more: http://members.houselogic.com/articles/how-to-string-christmas-lights/preview/#ixzz3te0MHbir
Follow us: @HouseLogic on Twitter | HouseLogic on Facebook

Asheville Market Real Estate Update

From the November 6th Asheville Citizen Times newspaper...

We have set many new records for real estate sales in Asheville and Buncombe County.  The number of  homes sold in Asheville during the third quarter was 401.  This is the highest on record since the same time period in 2006 when there were 399 sold.

We also have a new median sales price record of $244,000 for the 3rd quarter compared to $235,000 for the fourth quarter of 2007.

Median sales price for all homes (including condos, townhomes and mobile homes) through Sept 30 is $348,950 compared to the old record of $345,900.

Another sign of the strength of the housing market is the reduction in inventory of higher priced homes.   When levels are more than 6 months = buyers market and when they are less than 6 months = sellers market.

Buyers are mostly coming from New York, Florida, New Jersey and California

One home referenced in the article was purchased in 2005 for $175,000, now, the home is listed at $271,500.

To read the whole article, go to http://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/2015/11/05/asheville-and-buncombe-housing-markets-continue-set-records-affordable-housing/75121004/

‘Tis the Season for Extra Home Security

Protecting your home is always an important topic, but it’s especially so with the holidays approaching. Burglaries and break-ins peak at this otherwise festive time of year. More time is spent away from home and more packages are delivered, leaving your house and belongings more vulnerable than ever. Help keep your home safe by following these  security solutions.

Tips to Avoid Vacation Violators When You Are Away

1. Let your trustworthy neighbor know you are going to be away and ask them to help you with your trash collection and removing any packages or solicitor materials left at your door.

2. Automatic light timers with battery backup (in case of power failure) can create the simulation of someone being at home. Setting at various times throughout the house can create the illusion of movement and activity in different areas of your home.

3. Turn home phone ringers down, and if you utilize a voice message machine, silence it.

4. Stop delivery of newspapers and mail.

5. If you are gone for a long period of time, maintain any landscaping care (lawn, snow removal) to give the illusion that you are home.

6. If you have a garage, keep your vehicle parked in it. If you keep your vehicle in the driveway, make sure there are no spare keys or garage door openers left inside.

7. Be proactive! Record a video of each room to document proof of your belongings should you need to make an insurance claim.

8. Check with your local police station to see if they employ and neighborhood patrol, or a “vacant house list.” Criminals will be leery to enter a home if they know it’s being watched, especially by authorities.

Download Our Free 10 Security Solutions to Share With Your Clients

 

Protecting Your Holiday Packages from Porch Pirates

Who doesn’t love holiday packages? Deliveries left in open areas are easy targets for burglars and can spoil your holiday cheer. It’s been reported that this time of year thieves will even trail delivery trucks stalking prime targets. Thieves are looking for anything that can be converted to cash, so be mindful when purchasing high-value items in boxes that may clue to what is inside. Additionally, break down and immediately trash any boxes that reveal high-priced purchases.

A few other considerations for protecting your holiday packages this holiday season include:

1. Thieves commonly strike during work hours when many homes are empty. Consider having packages delivered to your office, not your house.

2. Request a signature for all packages to be delivered.

3. Check with delivery providers to see if they offer additional security features. UPS has a program calledUPS My Choice which allows a customer to receive an email or text message before a package arrives and reroute it if no one is going to be home.

4. Take advantage of tracking and delivery alerts so you know exactly when the package is delivered.

Whether you are traveling or staying home this holiday season, the threat of thievery remains. Knowing these helpful tips may help prevent your season from being soured!

Asheville's First Community Wind Program

Now, Asheville residents can use clean wind energy through Arcardia Power.

To sign up, go to arcadiapower.com/asheville

Link your local utility account to Arcadia Power

Enjoy 100% clean energy at home and receive $20 off your first clean energy bill.

Or you can call, 866-526-0083

Local business customers: Limones, Patton Ave Pet Company, Green Sage Cafe and Biscuit Head

Short Term Rental Debate

From our friends at Marshall, Roth & Gregory, PC, here is a legal moment from Phillip Roth regarding a very hot topic, Short Term Rentals in Asheville. 

The State of Short-Term Rentals in Asheville A lawsuit filed on October 20th in Buncombe County Superior Court has taken the current debate in Asheville over short-term rentals (STRs) to a new level by challenging the City’s authority to enact ordinances regulating STRs.    In Robertson et al v. City of Asheville, No. 15-CVS-4688, the plaintiff homeowners routinely rent out their residences to guests for periods of fewer than 30 days, expressly in violation of § 7-2-5 of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).  Having been issued citations by the City under the ordinance, the plaintiffs are challenging the legality and the constitutionality of the ordinance on a number of grounds, arguably the most interesting of which is claiming that the City has no authority to regulate short-term rentals because that authority is “preempted” by the North Carolina Vacation Rental Act (N.C. Gen Stat. § 42A-1 et. seq.).    Generally, a municipal ordinance is invalid (“preempted”) under North Carolina law where it purports to regulate a field for which the State of North Carolina has shown legislative intent to provide a complete and integrated regulatory scheme to the exclusion of local regulation, or if the local ordinance makes unlawful an act, omission, or condition which is expressly made lawful by State law. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 160A-l74(b).    The plaintiffs in Robertson contend that this is what has occurred with regard to STRs by virtue of the Vacation Rental Act.  Acknowledging that the “growth of the tourism industry has led to a greatly expanded market” for short-term vacation rentals that present “unique situations not normally found in the rental of primary residences for long terms,” lawmakers concluded that it is “necessary for the General Assembly to enact laws regulating the competing interests of landlords, real estate brokers, and tenants.” N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42A-2.    Although the Vacation Rental Act appears more focused on the contractual relations among the short-term tenants, landlords and real estate brokers -- rather than expressing a broad policy statement on the legality and regulation of short-term rentals within cities -- the Plaintiffs find support for their position in a section of the Act that implies that vacation rentals of less than 30 days are legal in contrast to the City’s ordinance providing just to the contrary – this amounts to a near head-on collision, legally speaking.    Whether the Plaintiff’s contention will withstand judicial scrutiny remains to be seen and it could be months and more likely a year or more before the lawsuit reaches trial.    The stakes are obviously high both locally and nationally.  There are more than 600 short-term rentals listed on the various websites for Asheville. And although the Plaintiffs were fined $100 per night under the old ordinance, City Council recently raised the penalty provision of the ordinance to call for a fine of $500 per night.  Rather than relying on citizen complaints to alert it to short-term rental violations, moreover, the City also decided to create an enforcement position that would actively seek out violators.    If recent events in San Francisco are a harbinger of things to come, it will not be surprising if short-term rental companies like AirBnB, HomeAway and VRBO enter the fray as part of a national campaign to keep short-term rentals legal.  Following on the heels of successfully defeating “Proposition F” – which would have curtailed short-term rentals in San Francisco – AirBnB has stated its intention to combat attempts by municipalities to regulate short-term rentals elsewhere.  It is doing this in part by mobilizing the property owners for whom it lists vacation rentals as a potent political force.  AirBnB and its ilk may also follow Uber’s strategy whereby it pays the citations and/or defends actions brought against its drivers by the various municipalities.    Keep in mind that the City's ordinance only applies where the entire property is rented.  It remains legal for a property owner to rent out a portion of the home on a short-term basis – a so-called “homestay” – just so long as the owner resides in the home at the same time.               Finally, as discussed in a prior edition of A Legal Moment, the issue of short-term rentals is also a hot one in private planned communities where residents feel that short-term rentals have the effect of decreasing property values and generally raising the nuisance level occasioned by partying short-term tenants.  Homeowner Associations are actively amending their Declarations with provisions regulating both long- and short-term rentals within their jurisdictions.

Asheville's Top 5 Most Expensive Listings for 2015

Asheville's Top 5 Most Expensive Listings for 2015

We have seen a lot of blogs and articles showing the most expensive listings in every state in the U.S. Yes! All of those listings are absolutely gorgeous, spacious and luxurious. On the other hand, some homes were built in a more whimsical style and had been carefully crafted by an artisan.

My curiosity took me to all the news, articles, and everything about Asheville. But, one thing got stuck in my head; and that is how gorgeous the houses are in Asheville. This is absolutely the place if you want the European setting and still live in the U.S.

I came up with the list of  the Top 5 Expensive Home's in Asheville. Most of the of the photo credits goes to Dwell Realty Group's website http://greiner.yourkwagent.com and www.zillow.com

I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed compiling this  list of homes! Here is, Asheville's Top 5 Most Expensive Listings:

1. $10,750,000 -   24 Browntown Rd, Biltmore Forest, NC 28803

You can have this elegant French chateau for just $10,570,000! What makes this property very special is that this property had been constructed using a 3" thick lime stone. Impressive right?
 Also, this property comes with 5 beds, 7 baths, and 16,221 sqft. Comes with complete Roman Spa, entertainment area with card room, kitchen, pool, wine tasting room and theater entertain guests and owners regally. Formal rooms abound including a very special oak bar.

More photo's at  http://greiner.yourkwagent.com

2. $4,979,000 - 193 Stratford Rd, Asheville, NC 28804

Stratford Towers-an exquisite brick English Manor home inside Lakeview Park. Constructed in 1925 and designed by renowned North Carolina architect S. Grant Alexander (1875-1953), this grand estate was one of two homes original to Lakeview Park.  This Historical home had been renovated and comes with 6 beds, 5.5 baths and 7,640 sqft. 

Solid oak flooring, wainscoting, mill-work, and accents are present throughout this 7,000+ square foot home. The formal entry is graced by 20' ceilings and an original chandelier that is suspended over the grand staircase and surrounding balcony. Connected to the formal entry by oak French doors, the bright front parlor features intricate mill-work and a wood burning fireplace. See more at http://greiner.yourkwagent.com.

3.  $3,800,000 - 1 Forest Rd, Asheville, NC 28803

3-story Old World Normandy-style home designed by Griffin Architects on secluded knoll near Biltmore Estate. Built in 2010 to highest standards in architecture, technology & comfort with space & intelligence that cater to 21st C. needs. Comes with 5 beds, 6 baths and 8,224 sqft

Generous main floor w/terrace lives & entertains w/ ease; expand to lower & upper floors for recreation & guests.  See more at  http://greiner.yourkwagent.com.

4. $3,250,000 - 50 Glendale Rd, Asheville, NC 28804

Image Source: www.Zillow.com

This grand historical home has been completely restored while retaining the original architectural details of Henry Gaines. Comes with 4 bed, 5 baths, and 7,580 sqft. Beautiful finishes, great floor plan, private,wrought iron gated entrance and fence are only the beginning of the list of features. Detached three bay garage w/2 bedroom guest house has also been completely remodeled. See more at http://www.zillow.com.

 

5. $2,780,000 - 678 Altamont Vw, Asheville, NC 28804

Partially finished 2,500+sq.ft. on lower level. If completed would add up to 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, & an entertainment room.Quality custom built English Manor Style Home on quiet cul-de-sac. Panoramic views. Only 10 minutes to downtown Asheville. Custom Oak Pub Room with a private entrance for hosting family & friends. Ironwood deck with fire-pit & grill. 3 car garage and a lift for 4th. See more at www.zillow.com