So What's Going On This Weekend?

Don't miss Blowing Rock Winterfest this weekend! Events include the polar plunge, silent auction, chili cookoff, wine tasting, ice carvings, hayrides and more!

For more information, visit:  www.blowingrockwinterfest.com 

Visit our website this weekend - check out our hot sheet for new listings and price reductions. http://www.advancedrealtyboone.com/

Great Reasons To Buy A Home!

From time to time, we will post an article that we think will be of interest to you.

The Wall Street Journal posted an article titled, "10 Reasons To Buy A Home." There are some great points, especially for those who are thinking about buying, yet hesitant with all the "doom and gloom" about homeownership.

Click here to read article:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703376504575492023471133674.html

Please contact a Advanced Realty agent for the local market conditions. You may also visit our website for area listings. http://www.advancedrealtyboone.com/.

Home Again On This Cold Snowy Day

All of this snow that we've had has brought out some weariness; however, it has brought out the creativity in some, like our very own Carol J. Sommer!

Enjoy!

Home again on this cold snowy day
Wishing it all would just go away!
Not amused by its cold, bluster or wind
The white fluffly stuff seems never to end...

Pretty to look at, but tough to behold
Many inches have fallen and it's pretty damn cold
Forced to stay in like a rat in a maze
Been pacing around for too many days!

Some think it pretty a wonderland too
If you were me just what would you do?
My fingers are frozen, my toes are still there
But I think that the frost has now covered my hair!

Perhaps it's the cold that has gripped the outside
That causes me really to stay in and hide
Too cold to go out, too icy and slick
I'm staying right here like a tight little tick...

All bundled up like Nanook of the North
Hunkered down for the duration for all that its worth
I trust that the snow will soon move away
To that end I offer HIP, HIP, HOORAY!

By: Carol J. Sommer
01.12.2011

Come back and visit soon for upcoming real estate news and local events. Visit our website: http://www.advancedrealtyboone.com/

In Case You are Wondering What Happened To The Advanced Realty Land Rover...

"THE LITTLE ROVER THAT COULD"

A long time ago, back in the fall of 2006, I was sitting in my space in the parking lot at Advanced Realty when my world exploded.  It was late in the evening when all of a sudden, two cars came racing down Highway 105.  One of the cars lost control and came speeding into my space.  Along the way, it knocked down the beautiful maple tree that shaded me during the hot summer months, before it plowed into my side turning me 180 degrees in my parking space. It warped my frame and bent me so that I thought I could never be the same again. 

But my owners, Ada Webster and Vivian Woodard, cared enough about me that they wouldn't let me die.  They found someone that put me back together. All my major parts were taken off, rebuilt or replaced. It took years to get this done, but I was delivered back in my spot in the parking lot in November.  I have not had my "special" labeling put back yet because it has been too cold; however, I hope you will watch for me in the spring for my "coming out" party. 

It is my hope that I can again march in the local parades and show my new and shiny coat, as well as take the good folks in my office to special meetings and perhaps be out showing your property in the spring and summer.  My owners have decided to let me stay in the warmth of their garage during the cold winter months so that the salt and grime from winter weather won't damage me anymore.  SEE YOU IN THE SPRING!!!!!!
For more information on Advanced Realty, visit, http://www.advancedrealtyboone.com/

Optimistic Outlook For The Local Real Estate Market

As the New Year begins, you may be thinking about buying or selling property here in the High Country. You also might be a little concerned with some of the “negative spin” in the real estate market. It is not as bad as you might think.

Local trends don’t always match national trends. A recent article from the Watauga Democrat features Carol Sommer-Isquith, Broker Associate with Advanced Realty. She points out the past and present market activity and her optimistic outlook for the local real estate market.

Some of Carol’s points include:

· A comparison of units sold in 2009 and 2010;

· The effects of increasing bank loan regulations;

· Foreclosures and what they mean for buyers, sellers, banks and appraisers;

· A comparison of cash and conventional loan transactions in 2010;

· How real estate is still a good investment.

We welcome you to view the complete article at:

http://www2.wataugademocrat.com/story/For_sale%3A_There%27s_two_sides_to_market_id_004495

We also welcome you to visit our website: www.AdvancedRealtyBoone.com

Snowy Days In The High Country!

Snow, snow and more snow! The snow has tapered off for now, but this evening, we are expecting 3"-6". For more information on local forecasts, click on the following link for Ray's Weather: http://www.booneweather.com/Forecast/Boone

While the weather outside is frightful, this may be a good time to catch up on some reading on changes to the NC Offer To Purchase Contract and the Exclusive Right To Sell Listing Agreement. There are a considerable amount of changes to the North Carolina contracts. If you are planning to buy or sell in the near future, it is very important that you familiarize yourself with the new contracts.

To view the changes, you may visit our website: http://www.advancedrealtyboone.com/. We have sample forms that you can read and of course, if you have any questions, please contact one of our agents. We have had extensive training on the new contracts and we are ready to guide you through all of the new requirements.