How a 75-Year-Old Asheville Home Got a HomeStyle Glow-UpThere’s a certain kind of charm that only comes with a house older than your grandmother’s meatloaf recipe — and just as mysterious. When Emily and Jake stumbled upon their future home in Asheville, North Carolina, it was love at first creak.The house was a 75-year-old craftsman-style beauty nestled beneath a canopy of oaks. From the outside, it looked like something straight out of a Southern Living magazine — if you squinted and ignored the chipped paint, the missing porch railings, and the one shutter barely hanging on by a single rusted screw.But to Emily and Jake, it was perfect.Well… almost.The Dream and the DisasterJake, a guitar-playing software engineer with a man bun, had always dreamed of a home with “character.” Emily, ... 05/30/2025

"The Hurricane House Hustle"A special kind of optimism grips a person right before they buy a fixer-upper. Some call it madness. I call it “HGTV Syndrome.” That’s precisely what I had when I signed the dotted line for a house in coastal North Carolina with “a little water damage,” according to the listing.The house had been through Hurricane Helena, and based on the smell coming from the crawlspace, she had left behind more than just memories. But there I was, armed with a toolbox, a half-used Home Depot gift card, and delusions of grandeur. I would renovate this disaster zone and sell it for a fat profit. Or so I thought.DAY 1: DISCOVERYThe first sign of trouble came when I tried to open the front door, and it didn’t budge. It was not stuck—it was swollen. Wood expands when it’s soaked... 04/16/2025

All right, settle in, because this is the story of Maria, and how she turned a house filled with memories into a home filled with new life.Maria's grandmother's house, a charming but weathered Victorian, held a lifetime of stories. It was where Maria had spent countless summers, where the scent of Grandma Elena's baking still seemed to linger. But time, as it always does, had taken its toll. The roof leaked, the kitchen was a relic of the '70s, and the old plumbing groaned with every turn of the faucet. Maria, who had inherited the property, felt a deep pull to restore it. She didn't want to sell; she wanted to breathe new life into it, to honor her grandmother's legacy. But the cost of renovations seemed insurmountable.That's when she discovered the FHA 203(k) loan."It felt like a life... 03/02/2025

Unlock the Potential of Your Dream HomeImagine this: you've found the perfect location, a house with a charming curb appeal and a layout that ticks most of your boxes. But, there's a catch – the kitchen is outdated, the bathrooms need a modern touch, and perhaps some energy-efficient upgrades would be ideal. The good news is, you don't have to let these renovation needs hold you back from owning your dream home. This is where FHA 203k loans and FHA 203k consulting come in.FHA 203k Loans: Financing Your Renovation DreamsAn FHA 203k loan is a government-backed mortgage option that allows you to finance both the purchase of a home and the cost of renovations into a single loan. This eliminates the need for separate financing for the house and the renovations, simplifying the process and po... 01/08/2025

  Hurricane Helene wasn't friendly.Wow, we took a few days off for my birthday last week. We went to Bryson City, NC, to take the train ride. The birthday dinner was fantastic, and the storm was at work while we were eating.On the way up to Bryson City, it rained pretty hard at times, but it was a 2.5-hour trip that took 3 hours. The journey home took about 6.5 hours, and many of the roads we took had large trees across the road with just enough cut out to allow one car. The following day, the train ride was canceled. Half of the tracks were two feet underwater, and a landslide covered a good portion. It will be months, many months before the train runs again.We arrived home only to find that twelve of our 60 60-foot tall trees had fallen in line with each other. One was pushing the ne... 11/17/2024

Everyone wants attention—me, too. Would you like to see a few more photos, mostly of before-and-after scenes of renovated homes and small income units? Check out our Pinterest Page. Be sure to like and follow us so you get the next photos before everyone else. There are some pretty neat fences there too. Can you pick out the Million Dollar 203k in Fair Oaks CA?    11/12/2024

Have you heard of the FHA 203h loan program?FHA 203h: A Lifeline for Disaster VictimsThe FHA 203h program offers a crucial lifeline to homeowners who have lost their primary residence due to a presidentially declared disaster. By providing mortgage insurance, this program makes it easier for disaster victims to rebuild or purchase new homes.Key Features of the FHA 203h Program: Eligibility: Individuals whose homes have been destroyed or severely damaged in a disaster-declared area are eligible to apply. Flexible Financing: The program allows up to 100% financing, making it easier for victims to recover. Streamlined Process: The application process is designed to be as efficient as possible to help victims recover quickly. Rehabilitation Assistance: The program can also finance the rehab... 10/21/2024

Rebuilding of Asheville NCAsheville's Renaissance: A City Reborn, Fueled by FHA 203kAsheville's Revitalization: A Role for FHA 203kAs Asheville continues its impressive resurgence, the FHA 203k loan program is a key factor driving the city's transformation. This government-backed loan offers unique benefits that have enabled homeowners and investors to revitalize historic properties and contribute to the city's overall revitalization.Understanding FHA 203kThe Federal Housing Administration's 203k loan program is designed to help borrowers finance the purchase of a home that requires rehabilitation or renovation. This program allows borrowers to obtain a single mortgage that covers the property's purchase price and the cost of necessary repairs or improvements.Key Benefits of FHA 203k Fl... 10/21/2024

Navigating Construction Delays: Understanding Extensions and TimelinesIntroductionConstruction projects, while exciting, can often be fraught with uncertainties and potential delays. One common concern among homeowners is the risk of not meeting the consultant or lender's initial project timeline. In this blog post, we'll explore what happens when a project faces delays, the process of requesting an extension, and key factors to consider.Understanding Project TimelinesThe estimated completion date for a construction project is typically determined by the consultant or lender, considering the project's scope and complexity. However, various factors can influence the timeline, including the contractor's current workload, material availability, and unforeseen circumstances. HUD and, more s... 10/01/2024

What You Need to Know About Fairview, NC Homes for SaleSituated among the beautiful scenery of North Carolina, Fairview is a quaint and comfy place that helps you unwind and forget about your everyday busy city life.With its natural beauty, convenient amenities, and welcoming atmosphere, Fairview has become an increasingly popular destination for homebuyers seeking a tranquil yet vibrant place to call home. In this article, we delve into the allure of Fairview, NC, homes for sale and highlight why it's a community worth considering for prospective homeowners.Discovering FairviewFairview, located in Buncombe County, North Carolina, boasts a scenic setting with rolling hills, lush forests, and breathtaking mountain views. The town's proximity to Asheville, just a short drive away, provide... 04/01/2024

Showcasing the Diversity of Architectural Styles of Biltmore, NC Homes for SaleWithin the picturesque scenes of North Carolina lies the town of Biltmore, known for its rich architectural history and versatile residential selections. Such beautiful architecture Biltmore embodies from that timeless old-world fashion of the 1900s to the cutting edge contemporary styled designs its neighborhoods offer.Biltmore, NC, homes for sale are a testament to its rich history and cultural diversity. The town features a wide array of architectural styles, ranging from the elegant Art Deco designs of the 1920s to the grandeur of Beaux-Arts and the timeless appeal of Neoclassical architecture. Each property tells a story of craftsmanship and artistry, reflecting the tastes and preferences of different er... 04/01/2024

We recently had the pleasure of staying at a wonderful Bed and Breakfast in the Smokey Mountains in North Carolina known as the Wildberry Lodge on Potato Branch Rd. We decided to take a road trip to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage  our trip ended in North Carolina.The Wildberry Lodge is a beautiful rustic log cabin at the top of a steep mountaintop.  We stayed in the Strawberry Room which had a private bath, balcony and wood burning stove.  Our hosts were wonderful and it was a unique experience and we plan on returning again for another visit.  12/20/2023

This is the beautiful tree in the Welcome Center at The Biltmore where you pick up your tickets. We recently had the pleasure of visiting The Biltmore Mansion which was beautifully decorated with over 69 Christmas trees. We booked the evening tour which was fabulous. Candles flickering throughout the mansion as we toured each room. What a spectacular sight and experience for my husband and I. This trip was very special for us and our visit to The Biltmore was truly one of the highlights of the entire vacation, and one that had been on my bucket list.  12/20/2023

DR Horton Asheville has started rolling out some new incentives. Pair this with Your Choice Realty of NC 1% buyer's rebate on New Construction homes and this is an amazing opportunity to get into a brand new home!! Details below.Contact Phil Jones for more details at 828-820-4171 (office) or Realtor.PhilJones@gmail.comwww.ycre.net/nc      The D.R. Horton Red Tag Event Starts July 8th, 2023! AVAILABLE INVENTORY NOW SPECIAL PRICING on quick move-in homes through July 23rd. find your home       Event subject to change or cancellation without notice. Financing offered by DHI Mortgage Company, Ltd. (DHIM) 8001 Arrowridge Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273. Branch NMLS #71386. Company NMLS #14622. DHIM is an affiliate of D.R. Horton/Emerald Homes/Express Homes/Freedom Homes. For more information about... 07/17/2023

What does a home need as clients choose to "age in place"? Dr Joseph Coughlin, the director of MIT's (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)  AgeLab reports that even though populations may be aging in significant numbers, we can’t let the idea of ‘oldness’ and its implications stifle the way we think about economic opportunity. That got me thinking of implications in terms of places that work for older clients.Coughlin argues that 'oldness' is a social construct that doesn’t reflect how people realistically live after middle age.INDEED! It may be time become familiar with the concept of "aging in place." I call it AGING IN P A L A C E  ! (check out the link to an eBooklet for real estate people and our clients- below)  11/01/2022

In a recent talk with a colleague, I discovered that eighty (80) percent of Older People today live in their own homes. In planning for independence in the future so-called “senior citizens” and “leading edge baby boomers” not only experience the process of change as they add on decades, but have a new awareness of certain steps to take to make the journey easier.Given this new perception, it seems unlikely today’s older adults will choose to move to “old folks' homes.”The common dialogue these days goes more like this: “Please do not patronize us as 'senior citizens' – because, despite certain negative stereotypes about aging, we really are quite clear about our choices for a place to live for a lifetime."Is one of those choices investing in a smaller home- or downsizing?  03/26/2022

Helpful Updates Make a DifferenceInterior quick updates. You probably already know that a fresh coat of paint throughout your home is inviting- especially when it takes into consideration the imagination of buyers. Likewise, you most likely know that keeping colors neutral extends the appeal. NOTE::  Many "baby boomers" look for updates that can work for "aging-in-place" including bathroom and kitchen remodels. (eBooklet below goes into this.)  02/14/2022

Neighborhood InformationBiltmore Park is an exquisite well-developed community located on the outskirts of Asheville, North Carolina's southernmost suburb. The Biltmore Park community acquire a village-style layout with a stable economy and thriving commercial sector that includes boutique stores, retail shops, restaurants, a shopping center, a farmer's market, cafes, bars, a moving house, and a variety of other businesses and services. The Reuter Family Branch YMCA is a comprehensive leisure center that offers a variety of sports facilities and family-friendly youth programs in the area. Do not hesitate to contact our team if you require additional information about the neighborhood or are interested in one of the properties currently on the market in Biltmore Park.Biltmore Park is a d... 12/03/2021

Neighborhood InformationNorth Carolina's Oakley subdivision is a small, quiet neighborhood in Asheville's southeasterly suburbs. Oakley is an excellent option for homebuyers who want to be within a short drive from Asheville's downtown area. If you're a busy professional seeking a move-in-ready city home, this neighborhood is ideal. Our team is ready to assist you if you need assistance finding the right properties for sale in the area. Please let us help you find the perfect house in Asheville with our deep knowledge of the local real estate market.Several well-developed commercial sectors surround Oakley. As far as shopping malls, restaurants, and other businesses go, you'll have plenty to choose from in the immediate area. Additionally, residents have access to a wide range of family... 12/03/2021

Neighborhood InformationLocated in the southern portion of Asheville, North Carolina, Oak Forest is a small residential development. Oak Forest is a well-developed suburban enclave situated between Asheville and Hendersonville in North Carolina. For anyone looking for a property within easy driving distance of both the urban cores of these cities as well as the several commercial hubs that lie in between, this area has a lot to offer. Contact us today for additional information about the region or to set up a site visit.Homebuyers who don't want to climb up and down the stairs every day will appreciate the single-story architecture and first-floor master in these homes. Homes also come with generously-sized lots, allowing residents to spread out in their yards. Located midway between As... 12/03/2021