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Justin & Katie Keisler

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North Carolina!

10-09-08
Justin & Katie Keisler

In the Southeastern of the United States lies the leading producer of tobacco of the USA: North Carolina. This state was once a part of the old Carolina territory, and was a confederate leader in the American Revolution. It was also here in 1930 that the Wright Brothers made their first successful airplane flights. North Carolina indeed boasts of rich cultural heritage. In this state, you can get a chance to see fun oddities– from a shell-shaped gas station to a leprechaun village in Prospect Hill. The rural atmosphere is North Carolina provides respite from the hectic pace in urbanized cities.

Geography and Demographics

The state of North Carolina is the 29th largest among the 50 states. It has a total area of 139,391 sq km (53,819 sq mi) and owns 10,256 sq km (3,960 sq mi) of inland water. The state runs the length of 503 miles from the west to the east, and 187 miles north to southern border. The capital of North Carolina is Raleigh City while Charlotte is the state’s most populated in the metropolitan region.

The state of Virginia is on the northern boundary, Tennessee keeps to the west, and South Carolina and Georgia sit on the southern border. The 2000 population was estimated at 8,049,313. The population is a mix of whites and non-whites.

Climate

A humid and subtropical climate is found in North Carolina. Rainfall occurs in all seasons. Sometime temperature extremes are also experienced.

Education

North Carolina is noted for its effort to lead in the field of education. There are several private and state colleges and universities. These institutions offer a long list of college degrees fro law, education, medicine, psychology and science. Post graduate degrees and associate courses are also offered. Community colleges provide associate courses for those who prefer it.

Industries

The number of farms in North Carolina is still growing. Pegged at 50,000 in 2005, these farms are still increasing in numbers. The income generated from the sales of hogs, poultry and chicken accounted for the highest revenues. The tobacco and cotton industries have declined as major state revenue but these are still major resource for revenues. At present greenhouse and nursery crops are the giants of the agricultural economy of the state.

Fishing is a lucrative business in coastal area of the state. The valuable catches are blue crabs, bay scallops, oysters, finfish, tuna, and flounder. Shrimp is bountiful. Mining is also a thriving industry.

In manufacturing, North Carolina developed a reputation for quality textiles. The state also manufactures electronic and electrical equipments. Tobacco production is also main feature of the manufacturing industry.

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What Is A Buyers Market?

09-09-08
Justin & Katie Keisler
In the world of real estate, there seem to be basically two types of markets that fluctuate with time. These are the sellers market and the buyers market. If you lived through the housing boom of the early twenty-first century you will be familiar with a sellers market, a time when there are more home buyers than sellers and plenty of competition for properties. Prices tend to be elevated and homes sell very quickly, sometimes even within hours of a listing. But what is a buyers market and how can you make the most of it?

A buyers market occurs when there are more home sellers than there are buyers. This means that there is an excess of inventory on the housing industry with longer selling periods. Consequently, sellers must compete against each other and new home builders for precious buyers. This means prices generally tend to be lower and very negotiable. It is a buyers market because the home buyer has plenty of options at very affordable costs.

So if you are a buyer and happen to find yourself in this place, congratulations! A good deal is still not guaranteed though. Here are some smart tips for making the most of a buyers market.

First, pick an area that has a solid economic status. During a housing boom, most prices will drop, but they may drop for different reasons. Some areas experience price decreases and increasing inventory because their economies are failing. Stay away from these areas. This will be a bad investment in the long run because there will be no industry and business to attract life to the area in the future. Other areas see price decreases because of overbuilding and the trading zone is correcting itself. Try to find these areas, where the home prices have generally seen healthy rates of appreciation. Do some research to make sure the home you are buying has a value roughly equal to the homes offered around it.

Second, do not be afraid to use your bargaining power to the fullest. The sellers are eager and sometimes desperate to strike a deal. This means you have the power to negotiate for a lower price, or other deals like upgraded features, extra landscaping. (Make sure you only get incentives that will add value to the house, not things like flat screen TVs or cars or cruises.) You can also ask that the seller pay your closing costs or points or provide money for the taxes or insurance. All of this can save you a ton and allow you to get a better rate on a loan with a larger down payment. And if the idea of bargaining scares you, don't worry! Your real estate agent will do it all for you, working to get you the best deal possible.

Finally, be thorough in shopping around for a good loan. Even in a buyers market, you need to make your money count by finding the best interest rate available. This will make your purchase even more worthwhile. Shop around by getting quotes and good faith estimates from several different lenders, checking out the annual percentage rate or APR on each loan for effective comparison.

Buying in a buyers market is certainly ideal, but make sure you make all the right moves to score yourself a purchase that will provide lasting savings and satisfaction.
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Tips for Relocating

09-09-08
Justin & Katie Keisler
Buying a house and relocating is exciting. There 's just something about those first weeks of exploring your new neighborhood. It 's just one of the many things the adventure of house buying offers.

Location is important, and it 's one of the first things you should think about when choosing a home. Of course, the value of the property is an important consideration with location, but where you live is just as important as the property itself. So, the first thing you should ask yourself is, "Where do I want to live?"

The City, The Country, Or Somewhere In Between

Your number one consideration is whether you're a city dweller or a country lover at heart. Don't let romantic ideas cloud your vision; you have to live here for a number of years to come.

The city is convenient, but it has its crowds and problems. The country is beautiful and relaxing, but it 's far away from the city 's conveniences.

Luckily, there are the suburbs. Here, you can enjoy the city life and country life as well. The only downside is that some people find the suburbs to be dull, and you have to remember that even the quietest suburb has a tendency to grow over time.

When deciding whether to go urban, rural or suburban, keep in mind what you see yourself doing ten years down that road. Let that help you decide.

Is It A Good Neighborhood?

For you and your family 's safety, this is the most important consideration. You can get a feel for a neighborhood by simply going there and walking around.

What kind of reputation does the neighborhood have? And what about drainage problems? Or the amenities the neighborhood offers ... pool, sports areas, sidewalks?

These are questions your real estate agent should be able to help you with. You can always ask around too, and see what other people are saying.

Getting To Wherever You Need To Go

Commute time should be a major consideration. Five minutes longer to work may not seem like much, but it can really add up over weeks and weeks.

You should also think about traffic. You don't want to be stuck in a commuter traffic jam everyday.

On the other hand, if you take mass transit to work, you'll want to look into your bus or train commute. How far is your new neighborhood from bus routes and stations?

What Is There To Do?

Next, think about your lifestyle. What do you like to do? Do you enjoy having a bit of nightlife or are you a homebody?

If you like going out, you may want to make sure there are some nice restaurants or bars in the area. If you like shopping, you'll want someplace to go nearby. If you have an active lifestyle, you'll want some parks and scenery nearby.

Look For The Things You Need

If you have kids, think about school districts. What school will they be going to and will it be easy to get there? Kids have to commute too!

Hospitals are another thing to look for. How far are you from the nearest medical facility? And, would you be alright in case of an emergency? This is especially important to think about if you want to live in a rural area.

Your real estate agent will be a big help in getting you the location you want. They are knowledgeable about the areas where they do business. You can always ask them your location questions.
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Hickory, NC Community Overview

07-08-08
Justin & Katie Keisler

Let us be the first to welcome you to Hickory, North Carolina! Where almost every doorway says, "come on in," and every smiling face greets you with Southern hospitality! Folks around here want to make you feel at home, and soon after you learn a little more about this charming, yet thriving city, you will see just why Hickory, NC is the nationally awarded and "talked about" town in the region!

Make Your Home in Hickory, NC

Whether your are thinking about moving a family or business, Hickory, NC has it all – calm climate with four seasons that are as distinct as they are mild, excellent employment opportunities, low cost of living, diverse culture, and an endless array of recreational opportunities. Living in any of the cities of Catawba County is simply an unparalleled lifestyle. Located in Western part of North Carolina situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it is an ideal place to live, work, play, raise a family and retire. Residents of Hickory, NC have not just found a place to live – they have found a home! Being just one hour east of the Mountains and 4 ½ hours west of the Atlantic Ocean, Hickory, NC is conveniently situated near the best of both worlds! Many Hickory residents can plan a weekend getaway to both the beach and/or the mountains!

Award Winning Education in Hickory, NC

The commitment to life-long learning is one of the cornerstones of our growth, here in Hickory, NC. Catawba County and the Greater Hickory Metro is proud of their long list of educational resources including pre-schools, primary and secondary schools, and centers of higher learning. Futures For Kids is an interactive web portal supported by local businesses that provides high school students in all eight high schools in the three school systems of Catawba County with career guidance and assistance. Leading the way in innovative learning in higher education, Hickory, NC is home to the nation's first “college high school” at Catawba Valley Community College. Challenger High School allows students to enroll at their local community college in Hickory, NC for a five year program, which, at completion, gives them both a high school diploma AND an Associates degree. This program gives students a great opportunity, and allows them to complete an Associates degree completely free of cost! In addition to the Challenger High School is a program called “MagnIT,” which is available to students in and around Catawba County, which allows them to dual enroll in both high school and college classes that enables them to receive their Associates degrees in Web Technologies – again, free of charge. Unlike any other area in the region, Hickory, NC strives to make education available, and fun! Their award winning, innovative programs are receiving national attention, and further proving that Catawba County is a great place to raise a family!

Hickory wins the All-America City title for the THIRD time!

Hickory has done it again! Hickory, NC is recognized nationally as the "All American City" in the entire United States! While winning this prestigious award once would be an honor, receiving this national award three times is a testiment to the great city that Hickory, NC really is! Residents of Hickory, NC graciously receive this honor, and are proud to be a Hickory, NC resident! Being named an All-America City brings many benefits to a community including national recognition and helps build the economic base.

Hickory, NC Real Estate

Whether you are seeking affordability or an extravagent estate, you will find a neighborhood in Hickory, NC to satisfy your taste and price range. In addition to the wide choice of beautiful and affordable homes for sale, Catawba County has an excellent condominium and townhouse market. Apartments in Catawba County are comfortable and some of the most affordable in the state! Active seniors also find quality housing in Hickory NC, from independent or assisted living, continuing care communities or long-term providers, the county has a wide range of excellent facilities. Justin and Katie Keisler assist clients from all over the world with their real estate needs. Having lived in the Hickory Metro for their entire lives, they take great pride in their hometown, and offer quality service to anyone who is interested in living in Hickory, NC or the surrounding areas.

Hickory, NC...More Than Just Furniture!

Nestled close to the Blue Ridge Mountains and about 50 miles northwest of Charlotte, Hickory is appropriately named for the Hickory Tavern that once presided here as a popular respite for weary travelers. Known as the furniture manufacturing capital of the world, approximately 60 percent of the nation's furniture is made within a 200-mile radius of the Hickory Metro area. The Catawba Furniture Mall contains 350,000 square feet of furniture stores, and the Hickory Furniture Mart is 20 acres of 100 showrooms, carrying more than 1,000 famous lines. Each year, more than a half-million visitors come to the area to browse and shop at the numerous furniture outlets. Indeed, Catawba County is rich in scenic beauty with Lake Hickory, the Catawba River, and a stunning silhouette of the Blue Ridge Mountains against the western sky. Because of its picturesque landscape and its convenience to so many nearby attractions, many artists call Hickory their home. The Catawba Valley has the second-largest concentration of potters in North Carolina. Their work is showcased annually at a festival in March. According to Millie Barbee, CEO of the Hickory Metro Convention and Visitors Center, Hickory has launched a determined effort to revitalize its downtown Main Street area. Located within the cleverly-named SALT Block, an acronym for Science, Arts, Literature Together, is a complex of buildings housing the Hickory Public Library, Hickory Museum of Art, Catawba Science Center, Western Piedmont Symphony, Hickory Choral Society, a public school and the Catawba County Council for Arts. "Hickory is such a wonderful place to raise a family and the activities for both adults and children are abundant." For sports lovers, baseball fans will enjoy watching the Hickory Crawdads. The Hickory Motor Speedway has been providing heart-stopping entertainment for 50-plus years, and contains the roots of three NASCAR champions – Dale and Ned Jarrett and Bobby Isaac – as well as the late Dale Earnhardt. Originally from Wisconsin, Barbara and Michael Dugan moved here 13 years ago. Although the move was work-related (he's in the furniture business), they have found the area to be a delight. “In addition to the climate, location and natural beauty of its surroundings, Hickory has some intangibles that really intrigued us,” Mrs. Dugan explained. “This area has a variety of cultural activities as well as a diversity of people who live here. It's a vibrant, welcoming community.”

Hickory, NC Healthcare

Catawba County offers residents quality healthcare close to home. Catawba Valley Medical Center and Frye Regional Medical Center – offer highly specialized medical care and advanced innovative clinical services. The County's healthcare industries continue to receive recognition for its commitment to cutting-edge technology and compassionate care. Hickory, NC is filled with some of the leading healthcare workforce in the state, and it's residents enjoy quality healthcare with local convenience

Want to learn more about Hickory? Check out our website at www.keislerrealestate.com or call (828) 291-5311, we will be happy to give you a tour of our lovely town of Hickory, NC!

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT HICKORY, NC? ASK US! WE'RE ONLINE NOW!


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