2018 was another award winning year of selling real estate for us at Acclivity Realty Group.  We would like to thank all of our clients who bought or sold property in The High Country for helping us make this happen.  It is truly an honor to be entrusted with the responsibility of helping home buyers find their dream homes in Boone and the surrounding area. This market can be quite unique and difficult to navigate at times and we are certainly fortunate to live in and know the area well. We are also proud to help those selling their previous dream homes to move on to hopefully bigger better goals, and hope you stay to enjoy all that The High Country has to offer. 

For the second consecutive year, Acclivity Realty Group has been recognized for our hard work and dedication to our clients and to Keller Williams. Not only were we awarded for our service on the Agent Leadership Council, but were awarded the Bronze Award for the volume of sales closed in The High Country real estate market as well. 

We are proud to call The High Country our home as well as to be a part of the Keller Williams family. 2019 is already shaping up to be another strong year.

If you or someone you know is thinking about buying or selling in Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk or the surround area we would be honored to put our knowledge, passion and hard work behind making your real estate dreams come true.

Contact Us to see how we can help!  

So you have finally found your dream home for sale in Boone, NC and your offer on the property was accepted! 

Congratulations! But now what? 

When buying a new home you want to ensure that the property for sale doesn't have any hidden issues, and the best way to do that is by having a licensed home inspection professional evaluate the home.

The first thing you may be wondering is "do I have to get an inspection"? For the most part, the answer is no. But certain loans such as VA may require a pest inspection and water quality test to be performed. 

"But it is a new construction home, surely there couldn't be anything wrong that I would need inspected." That is true - there shouldn't be, but we have certainly seen issues in new construction homes that were previously overlooked for one reason or another.  After all, the contractor is typically the one selling the house and isn't necessarily working for you. We always recommend having an independent home inspection professional come take a closer impartial look at the home you are planning to purchase.  There is nothing worse than putting hundreds of thousands of dollars into a home just to later discover an issue - whether it be major or minor. You should always know what you are getting into when buying a home. The due diligence period is designed for this very purpose.

So, what tests should I do on the property for sale?

We suggest at minimum starting with a general home inspection where a licensed professional will look in detail at various aspects of the home. This ranges from testing appliances, HVAC system and water heaters, to cracked windows, and possible plumbing or roof issues.  Basically, if something doesn't appear to function property or looks suspicious, the home inspector will either make a suggestion as to how to fix it or recommend that you contact a licensed professional (i.e. roofer, electrician, etc) to take a deeper look.  If you decide to be present at the inspection (which we also strongly suggest) the inspector will go over their report with you and point out any areas of concern.  We also find that often times more detail may be given in person than is provided in the written report.

The price of a home inspection is typically based on square footage and range from $350+ depending on the size.

Other tests for your new home

Other additional tests include:

Pest Inspections average $85 and focus on wood destroying insects including termites, powderpost beatles, etc.

Septic Inspection These are typically around $250 if the system's location is known. If it isn't know, then there is usually a fee of $75 to locate the septic tank and $125+ to uncover/dig up the system to gain access depending on the depth and if heavy equipment is needed.  The system is pumped in order to perform the inspection, so as least you will start with a clean slate so to speak.

Water Quality Test Water from wells and springs are typically tested for e-coli and total coli-form.  In a typical test there is no pass/fail or percentages.  Simple water quality tests only show if these bacteria are present or not and range from $50-80.  Basic water quality tests are fairly straight forward and can be performed by you as the buyer, it is typically just more convenient for a professional to perform the test while they are already there. More advanced testing can be done for a number of other items in the water including lead and the hardness of the water.

Radon Test Radon is a radioactive gas that is released from decaying rock. There are acceptable levels of Radon that aren't of concern and it has even been found that granite countertops release a minute amount of Radon; however, high levels and prolonged exposure can cause major health concerns including lung cancer.  Radon is typically easily mitigated with a fairly simple system that traps the gas and pumps it harmlessly out of the home.  Radon tests range from $75-150 depending on the test method and typically take a few days to complete.

Mold Test are typically only performed if visible signs of mold are present.  Mold tests average around $125.

If you have questions about inspections when buying a home in the Boone area, feel free to reach out to us at any time.  We have an extensive list of trusted home inspectors and other professionals to help make sure you know what you are getting when you buy a new home.

The High Country of the North Carolina mountains offers spectacular dining, shopping, real estate opportunities. Most of all, people flock to Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk and the surrounding area for the world class outdoor recreation including hiking, fishing, skiing and let's not forget the golf!

There are numerous golf courses dotting the verdant landscape ranging from exclusive courses with club memberships climbing toward the six figure mark, to 9-hole par 3's and everything in between.  

With so many to choose from, it can be hard for visitors to decide, so here is a quick list of golf options in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Click to use our Advanced Search to find golf properties in the High Country. 

Public Courses

Boone Golf Club

18 holes over 6,680 yards with a par of 71

433 Fairway Drive Boone, N.C. 28607

(828) 264-8760 http://www.boonegolfclub.com/

Rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest and one of the top 50 golf courses to play in NC and hidden gem of the North Carolina Mountains. Boone Golf Club features a fully stocked pro shop, practice facilities and a sister location of one of the High Country's favorite restaurants - Casa Rustica's Fairway Cafe serving breakfast and lunch.

Linville Land Harbor

1665 Goose Hollow Road Linville, N.C. 28646

(828) 733-8300

This course features a distinct difference in front and back nines. The front nine is more than 1,000 yards longer than the back with the course's only two par 5s. The back nine meanders through the mountains and will test your short game. 

For a detailed description of each hole or to schedule a tee time visit https://linvillelandharborgolf.com/

Mountain Aire Golf Club

18 holes over 6,404 yards with a par of 72

1104 Golf Course Road West Jefferson, N.C. 28694

(336) 877-4716 http://www.mountainaire.com/

A moderate length golf course that can be enjoyed by all skill levels nestled in beautiful West Jefferson. 

Mountain Glen Golf Club

18 holes over 6,723 yards with a par of 72

1 Club House Drive Newland, N.C. 28657

(828) 733-5804 https://boone-asheville-nc-mountain-golf-course.com/

A 4 star GolfDigest rated George Cobb (ie Quail Hollow, Charlotte) designed course that is layed out to be rewarding and enjoyable. With practice facilities and clubhouse grill, this course has one of Western NC's best par 4 holes.  Take a look at the layout of the course with a drone virtual tour of each hole. 

Red Tail Mountain

18 holes over 6,884 yards with a par of 72

300 Clubhouse Lane https://www.redtailmountain.com/

Just over the NC boarder, this TN golf course is only 20 minutes from Boone. noted as a top 10 retirement location in TN, this newly renovated course features amazing views and wildlife.

Sugar Mountain Golf Course

18 holes over 4,560 yards with a par of 64

1054 Sugar Mountain Drive Sugar Mountain, N.C. 28604

(828) 898-6464 https://seesugar.com/golf/

Located just minutes from Boone, Banner Elk and the Blue Ridge Parkway, the 18-hole seniors course is an affordable and accessible "Everyman's Golf Course" in a region home to some of the world's premiere private country club communities.

Willow Creek Golf Course

9 holes over 1,663 yards with a par of 27

354 Bairds Creek Road Vilas, N.C. 28692

(828) 963-6865 http://www.willowvalley-resort.com/

Willow Creek is a 9-hole Par 3 Executive course designed by Tom Jackson. Yardages range from the 137-yard sixth hole to the signature 221-yard ninth hole. The course has varying elevation changes with four tee boxes for all levels of play!

 Course Rating: 45 Slope Rating: 113

Driving Range -Mountaineer Golf Center 

115 Beverly Heights Ave. Boone, N.C. 28607

(828) 264-6830

Private Golf Clubs in the High Country on North Carolina

Linville Ridge

This exclusive country club rises nearly 5000 feet above sea level putting it on a pedestal as the highest golf course east of the Mississippi River.  With breathtaking views and an average summer high of 75, this renovated golf course in ON , not IN the NC mountains looking eye to eye with Grandfather Mountain. 

$60,000 initiation fee and annual dues of $17,800

Social membership allow up to 10 rounds of golf per year limited to 1 per week after 2;00 PM and can be obtained for a mere $30,000 initiation and $7,500 per year in dues.

https://www.linvilleridge.com/golf-pages/golf

Elk River Club

http://elkriverclubnc.com/golf/

One of North Carolina's top 10 golf courses and Jack Nicklaus first signature course in the state, Elk River runs with the natural topography and beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  The course features fairly wide fairways, but challenging approaches to the undulating greens.  

Full membership for property owners start with a $75,000 initiation fee and $19,500 in fees annually.  Non-Resident golf memberships can be had for an initiation fee of $85,000 but at the annual fees as owners. 

Besides golf, Elk River offers a private airport, equestrian center and world class trout fishing. 

Grandfather Golf and Country Club

Membership to Grandfather Golf and Country Club is by invitation only, but if you are fortunate enough then you are in for a treat with two courses to choose from.  Listed as one of America's 100 greatest courses by Golf Digest,  the Championship course features beauty that may distract you from your game.  If you are looking for a shorter game then the 18-hole par 59 course is a great option with 13 par 3 and five par 4 holes.

https://www.grandfatherclubnc.com/golf/

Jefferson Landing

Yet another top 100 4.5 star course in the High Country! Jefferson Landing is an award winning par- 72 golf course spanning 7,110 immaculate yards along the New River.  Designed by US Open and two-time PGA Champion, Larry Nelson, this course is fair but challenging. 

Become a member of this award winning golf club for a one time initiation of $7,500 and annual $5,700 dues with a 500 minimum food.

http://www.visitjeffersonlanding.com/golf.php

Blowing Rock Country Club

http://www.blowingrockcountryclub.com/Golf

The only Seth Raynor golf course in North Carolina, Blowing Rock Country Club has been challenging golfers since 1915 and rewards accuracy over distance. The club is open from May through October and features many events and tournaments throughout the season.

Sponsored membership begins at a $60,000 initiation fee for those 56 or older (just $47,000 for the younger crowd.) Club dues are $5,700 annually with a $1,200 food minimum.  Add $2,000 per year and you are all set to enjoy one of the most beautiful courses the NC mountains have to offer. 

Hound Ears

Hound Ears Golf Course is a private course open to club members and their guests. Rental guests are also allowed to play the course if they are staying in a property that has full access to the Club.

The course winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains around lakes waterfalls and streams.  

Membership: $30,000 initiation |$9,025 annual club dues | $1,500 annual golf dues

Guests: $80 Greens Fee | $25 cart fee

Golf Properties in The High Country

Acclivity Realty Group is happy to announce that they have been voted to the ALC (Agent Leadership Council) after their inaugural year with the agency.

The Keller Williams ALC or Agent Leadership Council is made up of the top 20% of agents in each office. This dynamic ‘board of directors’ is actively involved in the leadership decisions that make the office more productive and profitable. Their roles are to inspire, motivate, participate and listen to other agents to help lead them. By having input from these associates, each office can tailor their strategies to thrive in all stages of the market.

We are proud to announce that David Davis of Acclivity Realty Group - Keller Williams High Country Realty has been named as a top 20 producer in volume for June 2018, selling more real estate than hundreds of agents out of 3 area Keller Williams offices. 

Contact David now to see how he can help you navigate the real estate market. 

Tara and I had the great fortune to help out Watauga County a bit today as part of Keller Williams RED Day.  We were

part of four crews split between the local ReStore and the Habitat for Humanity GreenWood community.  Lots of great work was done (floors were installed, cabinets built, and lots of great landscaping got the community ready for spring!)

 but there is always a continual need.

We were joined by some great local service providers including Home Scan Inspections, and the crew from Clean & Dry Environmental Solutions. Others were kind enough to provide lunch for the volunteers including Movement Mortgage, Geeks at Work - The Computer Tamers, America's Preferred Home Warranty, and Attorney Rob Angle.  A HUGE thanks to everyone who helped out any way they could! 

So, What IS RED Day?

RED Day (Renew, Energize and Donate) is an initiative dedicated to celebrating Keller Williams Realty’s year-round commitment to improving our local communities.  Each year, on the second Thursday in May, tens of thousands of associates from across the United States and Canada participate in a wide range of projects, devoting their time to renewing and energizing aspects of the neighborhoods in which they serve.  

RED Day initiatives run the gamut: From rebuilding homes, refurbishing local parks, giving to local food shelters, hosting blood drives, beautifying beaches and so much more. Projects are chosen by each individual market center based on a need they see within its community.

This event is an entrenched part of Keller Williams Realty’s culture and displays the extraordinary effect a company can have when individuals come together to work as a team for the greater good of everyone. 

“RED Day isn’t about cleaning up a park. It is a one-day expression of what happens 24/7 in the Keller Williams culture. It is seeing a need, discovering who can meet that need and then getting it done."

More about GreenWood

In the spring of 2011, Habitat for Humanity broke ground on the first of 20 homes that will be built in the GreenWood neighborhood, a quiet neighborhood in the hear of the High Country spanning 20 acres near Green Valley School.

If you are familiar at all with housing prices in the area, then you know how difficult it can be to find an affordable home - especially one that doesn't need any additional renovations. Habitat strongly believes that housing can and should be beautiful and affordable for all. Each of the homes in the community is energy-efficient and sustainable.  GreenWood is an example of what’s possible in the green building industry, beautifully demonstrating that efficient, ecological building practices can ensure lasting affordability for our hardworking partner families. 

How Can You Help?

Whether you’re a skilled craftsperson or you've never picked up a hammer, building with Habitat is a life-changing experience both for you and the community. Sponsor a project, bring a group, or come on your own. They can’t do it without you - it takes a community to build a community!

Build days are typically Wednesdays and Saturdays although special arrangements can be made for groups in advance. Please go online or call Habitat for Humanity's volunteer coordinator at (828) 268-9545 to sign up.

Check us Out!

When searching for property in the NC High Country, there are may options, but what can you expect to pay in HOA / POA fees to be a part of some of the most popular communities? Here is a quick overview of what some of the fees are in popular communities in Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Foscoe, Boone and Linville.

 

    Echota is a gated community with 2 clubhouses, one indoor pool and one outdoor pool, 2 workout rooms and other amenities. POA fees are approx $1100 per quarter, which also includes water/ sewer, cable and internet. It is about 10 minutes from Boone and 15 minutes to Banner Elk and Blowing Rock. http://www.echotanc.com/

    Chetola is a gated community in downtown Blowing Rock. It has a Bob Timberlake restaurant and spa that is also open to the public, but an option to join its club that gives access to the pool, workout rooms, golf, fishing, etc. There is a one time initiation fee is $4,800 and the annual dues are $1,000.00. Plus POA fees that vary. They start at $480/ month for a one bedroom. https://www.chetola.com/


    Yonahlossee - POA fees approx $975/ quarter plus membership to the Yonahlossee Racquet Club, which has indoor and outdoor tennis courts, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, with a new one being built and a clubhouse for a $500 initiation fee and $100 per month. https://www.yonahlosseeclub.com


    Linville Land Harbor is about 10 minutes away from Banner Elk and 35 minutes from Boone. http://www.linvillelandharbor.com/. The POA fees are $2400 per year and include:

    Water/ sewer

    Cable

    Internet

    Trash Pick-up

    24 hour Security

    Outdoor pool

    Beach

    Lake with canoes and kayaks

    Access to Linville River for fishing

    Hiking trails

    Dog parks

    Recreation Center with clubs and activities

    Suffleboard

    Pickleball

    Tennis (extra fee)
    Golf (extra fee)

 
Houses and/or condos in Beech Mountain can be eligible for a Beech Mountain Club Membership. If a property has current membership there is a $500 transfer fee and if its not current it is a $2000 new member initiation fee, then fees are $1700 per year. http://beechmtn.club/. They have golf, tennis, pickle-ball, a pool and more.  

Other communities that have higher Club fees are  

    Hound Ears: POA fees are approx $863/ quarter which does not include any use of the Hound Ears Club. You can join the Club for a $30,000 initiation fee then a min of $6700 per year for fees plus other fees depending on the membership type and level.  https://www.houndears.com/club/scripts/section/section.asp?NS=HP

 

    Linville Ridge: POA fees are $8750/ year plus Club Membership. https://www.linvilleridge.com/

 

    Elk River: POA fees are $9800 per year plus Club Membership. The Elk River Club amenities include an air field, swimming pool, playground, Dog Park, tennis, fitness center, clubhouse, lake, and a Jack Nicholas signature golf course. http://elkriverclubnc.com/

 

When finding homes for sale in Blowing Rock or the High Country area, your mind is on a million different things from inspections and loans to picking out furniture. One thing that many home buyers overlook in this critical time is homeowners insurance. Here are a few tips for making sure you are covered and how to get some discounts for your new NC mountain home as well.

• Home updates are important. Any updates to plumbing, roof, electrical and heating/air within 10 years can give you a discount when insuring your mountain property.
  
  
• Home insurance companies want the updates above within the last 30 years.
  
  
• Age of construction can give discounts.
  
  
• When you are away from your mountain home, anything can happen from frozen pipes to tree limbs breaking a window. Your piece of mind is your insurer's as well. Discounts can be provided for monitored alarms.
  
  
• If you are searching for real estate as a second home in the mountains, a mountain investment property, or for retirement, then the insurance needed to cover your home can vary greatly. Types of insurance needs can be determined by the use of the home (primary, secondary, rental)
  
  
• If you are in the market for High value  real estate ($750,000+) or log homes, they are underwritten more cautiously. Again, monitored alarms for the home are helpful in these situations.
  
  
• Pets such as certain dog breeds and exotic pets can be a concern when insuring your home as well.

If you haven't already, be sure to create an account so that you get up to the minute details on the real estate market, and to search for and save your favorite properties.  Contact us at any time to discuss your real estate wants and needs and we will be glad to help you find your dream home!

Realtor Tara Davis wins the 2017 Bronze Award from Keller Williams® Realty

Tara came into the world of High Country real estate with her full intent on helping as many people as she could find their dream homes.  In her first year as a Realtor, Tara Davis of Keller Williams - High Country Realty sold 25 properties earning her the 2017 Bronze Award and a spot among the top Realtors in Watauga county and the High Country!

Contact Tara now to see how she can help you buy or sell your home!

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Curious about local real estate? So are we! Every month we review trends in our real estate market and consider the number of homes on the market in each price tier, the amount of time particular homes have been listed for sale, specific neighborhood trends, the median price and square footage of each home sold and so much more. We’d love to invite you to do the same!

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You can sign up here to receive your own market report, delivered as often as you like! It contains current information on pending, active and just sold properties so you can see actual homes in your neighborhood. You can review your area on a larger scale, as well, by refining your search to include properties across the city or county. As you notice price and size trends, please contact us for clarification or to have any questions answered.

We can definitely fill you in on details that are not listed on the report and help you determine the best home for you. If you are wondering if now is the time to sell, please try out our INSTANT home value tool. You’ll get an estimate on the value of your property in today’s market. Either way, we hope to hear from you soon as you get to know our neighborhoods and local real estate market better.