More and more sellers are choosing to get a home inspection before listing their house as a competitive tool and to help ensure that that the selling process goes more smoothly, with fewer surprises. This is by no means a complete list, but a typical home inspection includes an evaluation of the site, the exterior, the interior, the systems such as HVAC, electrical and plumbing and the building components. A home inspection does not include radon, septic system, termites, wells, mold or water quality issues, which must be evaluated by specialists. If you have concerns about any of these matters, rest assured the buyer's inspector will find the problem. It's smart selling to identify the problem yourself.

One of the major benefits of a seller's home inspection is that it provides an unbiased third-party report on the condition of the house. Other benefits include:

•§ Improves your ability to set a more accurate listing price reflecting the true condition of the house.

•§ Justifies a higher listing price if the house is in superb condition.

•§ Creates a powerful marketing tool that makes your house stand out from the competition and increases buyer confidence from the outset.

•§ Gives you the choice of making repairs or selling "as is".

•§ Controls the cost and timeframe for making repairs.

•§ Demonstrates your good faith by publishing the report.

•§ Prevents the buyer from using inflated costs as a negotiating tool.

•§ Streamlines the negotiation process.

•§ Prevents closings from being delayed or deals from falling through when the buyer's inspector finds a problem.

•§ Demonstrates your due diligence in completing the mandatory disclosure forms.

•§ Helps the buyer make a faster, better informed decision about your house, with less likelihood of buyer's remorse.

•§ Prevents small details from disrupting or derailing otherwise smooth negotiations.

•§ Allows you the opportunity to make corrections in the inspection if needed, and attach invoices for completed repairs.

The cost of a home inspection is based on the age and square footage of the house, but generally is between $300 and $400. If you have any suspicions or concerns, a seller's inspection and specialty inspections worth considering. The confidence and peace of mind they can provide is priceless.

Smart Selling Tip:

Even if the house is in superb condition and has been diligently maintained, smart sellers consider the benefits of a seller's home inspection as a competitive and negotiating tool.

Fall is here. The pumpkins were out in Fletcher near the library, beautifully displayed. They had so many kinds, colors and shapes. It was really fun to walk through all of the rows. I am thinking I need to grow some of these beauties.

Getting ready for the pies and pumpkin faces on the porch. And all the trick and treaters looking for goodies.

The leaves are turning pretty colors and falling fast. If you don’t want to miss the colors, make plans to get here in the next few weeks.

The woods will be bare in no time.

Join us in Hendersonville NC to celebrate fall.

THIS HOME IN HENDERSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA WAS UNDER CONTRACT IN 47 DAYS AND JUST CLOSED FOR 92% OF ASKING!

If you are interested in buying or selling real estate in the Brevard or Hendersonville area of western North Carolina, visit us online today at BrevardNCProperty.com, or just give us a call at 828-551-6290 or 828-551-6291. Be sure to ask for a copy of the most recent market report.

I just love happy endings!

This summer has been the wettest summer I have ever spent anywhere, including the summer I lived in Oregon. It is especially amazing concidering the previous 3 years we were in a drought. And last year it was so bad that we were on water restrictions for a long time.

I can't hardly complain, since I just moved into town from Bat Cave and spent most of the summer planting an edible landscape. My yard is growing with 100 strawberry plants, 60 asparagus plants, rhubarb and red raspberries. I even planted 4 cherry trees and 2 paw paw trees. I hope that the rain we have been getting the last week isn't going to rot the roots of all of these plants. They have been doing so well. And I have blueberry plants on the way soon that will need to get in the ground.

Maybe I will have to plant those blueberry plants in pots for the winter.

Maybe we should be building another arc

here in the south. That is how much rain we are getting. Flood warnings for days. But I can't complain. At least I am still above water. Not so for many other areas.

Is this an indication of what winter has in store? Guess I better load up on the wood for the heater.

Hope you are keeping dry wherever you are.

Health and animals are the focus in Hendersonville, North Carolina throughout the rest of the month of September.  The Blue Ridge Humane Society Thrift Shop will be hosting a Pet Adoption Day at its Greenville Highway offices on Saturday, September 12th, from 11am-2pm.  Come on down and adopt one of these pets into a loving home they so desperately need.  For more information, please call 692-3503.

The third annual 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run for the Horses to benefit Hope for Horses, an equine rescue, rehab and adoption program in Western North Carolina, will be held at the Buncombe County Health Department in Asheville (35 Woodfin Street) on September 20th from 1-4pm. For more information and to register for the event, please visit www.hopeforhorses.org.

Get your flu shots at the Pardee Health Education Center in the Blue Ridge Mall from 8am-7pm on September 24th and  8am-5pm on September 25th.  The shots cost $30, but are free with participants who have Medicare Part B insurance.  The flu shot does not protect you against the H1N1 virus (swine flu).  Make sure you have your Medicare card with you (if applicable).  Otherwise, bring cash or a check.  To call for an appointment (required) or more information, please call 828-692-4600.

On September 25th, FREE cholesterol and diabetes screenings will held at the Asheville K-Mart (980 Brevard Rd) from 10am-3pm.  There is no appointment necessary and it is absolutely free to the public.