Maggie Valley enjoyed a good day of snow today (December 1st), with more of the white stuff predicted tonight. Early this afternoon I went for a quick ride around town to take a few pictures of the snow as it was falling. It hasn’t stopped. This would be a great day to be by the fireplace with a handsome Cowboy! Check out the Purchase Knob Webcam. See my Photos of the Day. Search the Haywood County, NC MLS. Broker/(REALTOR®) SUSIE BLACKMON (Broker/(REALTOR®) PHONE:  828-550-3767 BUCKING the REAL ESTATE TREND (Blogging website) COLDWELL BANKER Kasey & Assoc. Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Canton, Clyde, North Carolina  28786 12/01/2008

Thinking about coming up to the North Carolina mountains to look for your own log home in the mountains? Here’s just the beautiful log cabin for you to rent while visiting, located on Sheepback Mountain in Maggie Valley. The cabin is owned by friends of mine from Florida who rent it out when they are not able to be here.  I wanted to stay there myself when I went out to visit them recently! Whether want to spend your time out and about looking at log homes to buy, or stay inside playing with your Cowboy by the fireplace, Sheepback Cabin will spoil you with its views, charm, fireplace, kitchen, decks, and tranquility. ©Susie Blackmon Photos If you do pry yourself out and away from the cabin, you’ll be a stone’s throw from the Cataloochee Ski Area and Tony’s Tube World, not to mention Gho... 11/28/2008

Maggie Valley, NC recorded 8 residential real estate sales in October 2008, taking an average of 126 days to sell (see details in chart below). Maggie Valley is just one of 5 'main' cities in Haywood County. Take note of the Average Asking Price/Average Sold Price. If you are interested in seeing the overall Haywood County Market Report for October, click here. Absorption Rate. A 6-month absorption rate/inventory level is considered ‘normal.’  Our 35.6 absorption rate means, among other things, that there are many options if your are considering buying a home in Maggie Valley. If you are selling, price your home right, make sure it is easy to show and CLEAN and neat, and work on curb appeal. Here’s a link to some ideas to increase curb appeal. *** CLICK CHART BELOW TO SEE LARGER VERSION... 11/01/2008

A mile high in Maggie Valley is the Cataloochee Ranch!  I am not sure where else you can enjoy such beautiful views, authentic log cabins for lodging, home cooked, delicious, fresh food prepared daily for you, beautiful hiking territory, spectacular photography opportunities, and horses to ride! Fall photography is REALLY spectacular and colorful up at the Cataloochee Ranch, so I lurk there every chance I get right now.  I was lucky enough to go to Cataloochee Ranch for dinner this week with my friend Bonnie Williams (thank goodness she has so many visitors!), and the after-dinner feature was a presentation about, and live appearance of, a beautiful timber wolf... most unusual and 'awwww' inspiring! Photos of the wolf are in the show below. Unfortunately, I ate the homemade blueberry pi... 10/31/2008

Dinner at Cataloochee Ranch last night (trout and chicken) was delicious.  Dessert for me, aside from fresh blueberry pie, was seeing this beautiful white timber wolf.  Rob Gudjer provided endless information about the timber wolf, who was not at all concerned about being in the presence of admirers of the human kind.  You can also see Rob and his wolves at Ghost Town in the Sky. ©Susie Blackmon Photos See more Photos of the Day . Search the Haywood County, NC MLS . Broker/(REALTOR®) SUSIE BLACKMON (Broker/(REALTOR®) PHONE:  828-550-3767 BUCKING the REAL ESTATE TREND (Blogging website) COLDWELL BANKER Kasey & Assoc. Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Canton, Clyde, North Carolina  28786 Send FREE Greeting Card BLOG with Me! Susie on TWITTER   10/29/2008

Wow! The early snow that arrived in Haywood County yesterday (October 28th) is breaking records! Our Cataloochee Ski Area is now open which is the earliest the Ski Area even been open for skiing! “Cataloochee opened the season with an 8- to 12 inch base on two beginner slopes yesterday at 1 p.m., making it one of only three open ski areas in the country. The Maggie Valley ski area is second only to Loveland and Arapahoe Basin Ski Areas, both of which opened in Colorado on Oct. 14 and 15 respectively.”  (Read the rest of the local story here.) Cataloochee Ski Area pre-season hours are: Monday through Friday from 1 to 10 p.m., and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Thanksgiving Day the Ski Area will be closed, but it will open during holiday hours the following weekend.  Holiday h... 10/29/2008

The very first snow in Maggie Valley in Fall 2008 arrived last night (October 28th)!  Here's a glass full if you don't believe me!  It is still dark outside, and still snowing.  Wow!  The Asheville Citizen-Times is reporting school delays due to the snowfall, especially in the higher elevations.  You can read about it right here. What's better than waking up to your first snowfall for the winter season??  (At least that we can talk about here on Active Rain...)   See my Photos of the Day. Search the Haywood County, NC MLS. (Broker/(REALTOR®) SUSIE BLACKMON (Broker/(REALTOR®) PHONE:  828-550-3767 BUCKING the REAL ESTATE TREND (Blogging website) COLDWELL BANKER Kasey & Assoc. Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Canton, Clyde, North Carolina  28786 Send FREE Greeting Card BLOG with Me! Susie on TW... 10/27/2008

Hey Baby, how about some baby back ribs, or a smoked sausage hoagie? Or both! If you've worked up an appetite, or just love barbecue, stop by the Bar-B-Que Shak and you'll be licking the Bar-B-Que Shak's sauce off your fingers, wanting more. These photos were all snapped at the Bar-B-Que Shak here in Maggie Valley, North Carolina.  You'll find the Bar-B-Que Shak right before you get to Ghost Town in the Sky, on the right-hand side heading toward Cherokee.  They do mail order too! Bar-B-Que Shak Maggie Valley, NC (828) 926 - 0560 See my Photos of the Day. Search the Haywood County, NC MLS. (Broker/(REALTOR®) SUSIE BLACKMON (Broker/(REALTOR®) PHONE:  828-550-3767 BUCKING the REAL ESTATE TREND (Blogging website) COLDWELL BANKER Kasey & Assoc. Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Canton, Clyde, Nort... 10/24/2008

It starts at 4:00 A.M. in the morning. I get up, get dressed, double check the camera gear, load the truck, and head for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's not a short trip, about 220 miles to the nearest point of the park, and when all is said and done, the complete trip pushes 750 miles. It's a trip I have made many times, usually 2-4 times per year. I wasn't really up to it but the weather forecast suggested that it was now or never, so I dutifully began the long journey. I made it through Georgia all right, but as soon as I crossed into North Carolina I met a new friend, a state trooper who very politely suggested that if I slowed down, I might live a little longer. He also added that I need to pay $151 dollars by December 5th or a warrant would be issued for my arrest! S... 10/23/2008

The fried green tomatoes and fried turkey legs were delicious at the Maggie Valley Arts and Crafts Fair this weekend at the Festival Grounds, which drew a great crowd and featured beautiful weather and great vendors.  Visitors savored the clear blue skies, fall colors and crisp weather both Saturday and Sunday, and carried away what I suspect were more than a few Christmas presents.  The food booths were busy too! Beautiful weather and setting. Fried Green Tomatoes and Fried Turkey Legs! Great food wagon. Beautiful hand-crafted wood benches. ©Susie Blackmon Photos See my Photos of the Day . Search the Haywood County MLS . (Broker/(REALTOR®) SUSIE BLACKMON (Broker/(REALTOR®) PHONE:  828-550-3767 BUCKING the REAL ESTATE TREND (Blogging website) COLDWELL BANKER Kasey & Assoc. Maggie Valley... 10/21/2008

Yesterday afternoon I took pictures of Cataloochee Ranch, which is a beautiful any time of the year, but especially during fall with the jewel-toned colors of the trees decorating the landscape. Lodging at the Ranch is available for a cozy get-a-way or a big, family gathering, and most anything in-between! Dining at the Ranch is family style and delicious. Wear stretch pants. Horseback riding and hiking are 'don't miss' activities while visiting Cataloochee Ranch, not to mention marshmallow roasts, fishing, and wagon rides! If you need someone to go riding with you, I'll go! If you'd like to call to make dinner plans or vacation plans, here is the Ranch contact information: 119 Ranch Drive, Maggie Valley, NC 28751 828-926-1401 • Reservations 800-868-1401 • fax 828-926-9249 eMail: info@c... 10/20/2008

If you are searching for a special place to stay and EAT in Maggie Valley, Smokey Shadows Lodge is a unique hideaway with beautiful long-range views, a fantastic deck for sitting and enjoying the views, company and surroundings, and food cooked by the owner on special occasions that will make you want to slap your Mama! I know because I had a great dinner there last night, courtesy of my Realtor friend, Bonnie Williams. Located up Fie Top Road, which leads to Cataloochee Ranch and the Cataloochee Ski Area, it is easy to find, close to town, and yet hidden away so you feel like you are in the middle of the wilderness.  You turn up Fie Top Road at the Ghost Town in the Sky entrance road, so plan a day of your visit spending time at Ghost Town before they close for the winter.  Their Scen... 10/19/2008

Both of these photographs were taken late yesterday afternoon (October 15th). ©Susie Blackmon Photos See my other Photos of the Day. Search the Haywood County MLS . (Broker/(REALTOR®) SUSIE BLACKMON (Broker/(REALTOR®) PHONE:  828-550-3767 BUCKING the REAL ESTATE TREND (Blogging website) COLDWELL BANKER Kasey & Assoc. Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Canton, Clyde, North Carolina  28786 Send FREE Greeting Card BLOG with Me! Susie on TWITTER 10/15/2008

Wandering around the Maggie Valley Club makes you feel like you are miles away from civilization (see photos below!).  The entire Maggie Valley Club development is naturally, beautifully and heavily wooded.  There were  many golfers were wandering the manicured golf course yesterday, enjoying the beautiful weather and the spectacular fall colors that pop more every day. Their yellow pants blended quite nicely with the fall colors. Pink… not so good. Photos taken along the Maggie Valley Golf Course. ©Susie Blackmon Photos See my other Photos of the Day . Search the Haywood County MLS . (Broker/(REALTOR®)   SUSIE BLACKMON (Broker/(REALTOR®) PHONE:  828-550-3767 BUCKING the REAL ESTATE TREND (Blogging website) COLDWELL BANKER Kasey & Assoc. Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Canton, Clyde, North ... 10/15/2008

Maggie Valley is having a great craft fair this weekend!  Come on up and attend both the 2008 Apple Harvest Festival  in Downtown Waynesville, and the Maggie Valley Fall Arts & Crafts Festival.  You will enjoy 2 fun-filled days here in the mountains. shopping and eating to your heart's content.  Hours for the Maggie Valley Fall Arts & Crafts Festival are Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Arts, crafts and very unique merchandise will be featured by many talented artisans from all over the Southeast regions. The location is the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds in the heart of Maggie Valley, right next to Cabbage Rose! The 2008 Apple Harvest Festival will be held on Saturday, October 18th in Downtown Waynesville, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Want to know more? Here’s the site.... 10/14/2008

(Scroll down for Twitter candy!) ©Susie Blackmon Photos Twitter fans, here are a few new Twitter applications to add to your list:  Twitturly, which helps you keep track of url tweets.  Justtweetit, a Directory; follow Tweetmeme to keep up with popular threads; and this is the icing on the cake which will get you sidetracked far longer than you might intend:  25+ Incredibly Useful Twitter Tools and Firefox Plugins See my other Photos of the Day . Search the Haywood County, NC MLS . (Broker/(REALTOR®) SUSIE BLACKMON (Broker/(REALTOR®) PHONE:  828-550-3767 BUCKING the REAL ESTATE TREND (Blogging website) COLDWELL BANKER Kasey & Assoc. Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Canton, Clyde, North Carolina  28786 Send FREE Greeting Card BLOG with Me! Susie on TWITTER       10/08/2008

                                                                           ©Susie Blackmon Photos The ever-evolving colors decorating the mountains and valleys of Maggie Valley, not to mention all of Western North Carolina, were ripening late yesterday afternoon (October 7, 2008). Taking pictures late in the afternoon is a great replacement and tonic for the evening news! Here are a few webcam links for you if you want to take your own look around the mountains. Explore Asheville's Fall Color Report North Carolina Forest Service Fall Color Update Cold Mountain Web Cam The Swag Webcam Purchase Knob Webcam Cataloochee Ski Area Webcam See my Photos of the Day. Search the Haywood County, NC MLS. (Broker/(REALTOR®) SUSIE BLACKMON (Broker/(REALTOR®) PHONE:  828-550-3767 BUCKING the REAL ESTA... 10/07/2008

FDIC Foreclosures create a lot of activity in the Maggie Valley market. In fact these are the first ever FDIC foreclosures in Haywood County in recent history.  To be an FDIC foreclosure a property must be foreclosed upon by the Bank making the original loan. Then the Bank must be closed or placed in receivership. The FDIC then protects the assets as receiver and markets them to the public.  It is a time consuming and complicated process. The main advantage is the reduced pricing offered by the FDIC. This process does create interest. It seems many buyers are interested in purchasing; if they can get a ‘good buy'. These 6 log cabins and the tract of land are top quality and in an attractive area. The prices are below market value. 10/07/2008

Maggie Mountaineer Crafts adds so much to the magic of Maggie Valley with the colorful and unique displays they create share with visitors, customers, and locals. Find jams and jellies, honey, and all the gifts and treasures you need to take back home for gifts, or to take back for your own indulgence. Be sure and visit Maggie Mountaineer Crafts if you are in town for the changing of the leaves. And don't forget about the October 2008 Apple Harvest Festival and Church Street Arts and Crafts Festival . See my Photos of the Day . Search the Haywood County, NC MLS . (Broker/(REALTOR®) SUSIE BLACKMON (Broker/(REALTOR®) PHONE:  828-550-3767 BUCKING the REAL ESTATE TREND (Blogging website) COLDWELL BANKER Kasey & Assoc. Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Canton, Clyde, North Carolina  28786 Send FRE... 10/05/2008

Maggie Valley, NC closed 7 residential real estate sales in September 2008 (see details in chart below), and the average number of days it took to sell the 8 homes was 132. The number of homes on the market in Maggie Valley as of today (October 4) is 303 (highest number of homes on the market in Maggie Valley all year). Absorption Rate. The rate of sales in the present market, when considering today’s active listings (303), renders an approximate absorption rate of 42.6 months, or an inventory level that will take 42.6 months to sell at the present rate. A 6-month inventory is ‘normal.’  An inventory below the 6-month level is a “Seller’s Market.”  We have a roaring Buyer’s Market at the moment. Curious about what ‘absorption rate’ means?  Read this great explanation from Heather Barr’s... 10/04/2008