Marshall, NC

Asheville Real Estate Journal
BIG Acreages and Farmland - A "Safe" Investment?

As a large acreage real estate brokers here in the Asheville , NC area, we are keen observers of the Land Market across the USA. Recently we had a discussion about Lots and Land . We hypothesized that Land Buyers (in this case large acreages) might find attractive the idea of special lending program(s)...possibly in concert with conservation organizations... possibly as sustainable agriculture grants ... Possibly a lease to buy program with a Farm Stewardship organization... .

Taking that discussion one step further- in terms of a "safe" investment- how does the large acreage and/or farmland real estate market look as compared to Lots in developments (where in a number of cases once very expensive lots have now tumbled in price?

Farmland Values Increasing

With farmland values increasing at rapid rates over the past 5 years, there has been growing concern over whether buyers/investors may face a farm real estate bubble. ... However, according to farmdoc daily farm debt levels are LOW, as measured by leverage.

If you are considering buying and/or investing in Large Acreages/ Land /Conservation Stewardship Land/ Land Legacies check out these resources before you act:

1. 2010 Farmland Value Survey Iowa State University
2. Farmland Values Up 2011 - "While most of the real estate market in the United States remains in a slump, rising commodity prices and other factors are causing a surge in demand for farmland and other agricultural properties."

3. The Impact of Higher Farmland Values on Real Estate Taxes

4. USDA Report Offers Continued Support for Land Values... "reasonably safe to predict that land values should remain strong through next year. "

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(*)/'(*) ________Asheville NC Real Estate Journal. Mountain Homes and Land Legacies- - Asheville NC Real Estate © 2011. GREEN-FRIENDLY ACREAGES:. NAR GREEN®, EcoBroker®, Eco Certified ®Real Estate Consultant. INFORMED CHOICES. THOUGHTFUL ADVICE. Unauthorized reproduction of any information including photos on this site is a violation of existing copyright laws. All rights reserved.

Eco-Friendly Mountain Homes and Land Legacies-
- Asheville NC Real Estate © 2011.
828-776-0773

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"This professional REALTOR® has an eye for extraordinary value
in Mountain Homes and Land Legacies, green-living communities,
and properties of enduring excellence." ~MS

Asheville Area Real Estate Journal
Bear River Lodge, Asheville Area Picnics and Day Trips Series 

Come along as we journey to various developments in the Asheville area. Today we are heading out to Bear River Lodge outside of Marshall, NC.

This development is bordered by the gorgeous Big Laurel River. (see photo)

REPORT  

Area/Community:: Bear River Lodge, Marshall, NC.

Minutes from Downtown Asheville and Mission Hospitals:: 52-56

Time of Departure: NOON  

Today's Weather: Sunny, Crisp and Clear -50 degrees  

Road Conditions:  Excellent  

Mileage from Asheville::  33  

Drive Time from Asheville:: 52-56 minutes (longer if road conditions are slippery)   

Drive Time to Grocery/Drugstore from Home Site:: 20

  

Pluses: Bordering the Big Laurel River, this development is blessed with some of the most beautiful land in the Greater Asheville area and proximity to outdoor recreational amenities. Fishing. Hiking. Less than a 15 minute drive to the Appalachian Trail.   

Listings Stats   

Active: 10 

9 Lots of .66 to +/-3AC - priced from $5k to 90K and
1 residential property described as, "... $200K below cost!!! Custom craftsman Log Home with private trout stream, trails...awe-inspiring home with personal touches throughout, including woodstove fireplace, exemplary carpentry...."
Pending: 0
Withdrawn: 23
Closed: 11 
Foreclosures/REO: 53

Concerns:: Legal complaints against the original developers. Majority of lots are now Foreclosures and/or REO. 

 ECO Notes:: Environmental complaints. Steep Slope development concerns. ( PDF available.) 

 

 

  

 

              NOTE: On this captivating holiday weekend, the sound of human voices was missing.

VIDEO -  Beautiful landscape at Bear River Lodge. Can you spot home local Asheville builder fears is precariously perched atop the steep slope overlooking the Big Laurel River?

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(*)/'(*)   ________Asheville NC Real Estate Journal. " On the Road HOME, CONTACT ME! "Residential Market Reports::: "Check Asheville "Monthly Special Gems" and Asheville home stats in the top retirement and green-friendly neighborhoods we cover in Asheville.- Asheville NC Residential Market Reports   Land:: If stewardship of large acreage is important to you, let's talk about mutually beneficial solutions. IF you are a Cash Buyer, some awesome properties are available at excellent price points.  NOTE::  A recent McGraw Hill study revealed that  81% of homebuyers would prefer to buy a eco-friendly home rather than a standard home, even in this current down economy. I have the following real estate green designations: NAR GREEN®, EcoBroker®, Eco Certified ®Real Estate Consultant.

Unauthorized reproduction of any information including photos  on this site is a violation of existing copyright laws. All rights reserved. Eco-Friendly Mountain Homes and Land Legacies-  - Asheville NC Real Estate  © 2010. _____________________________________________________________________________________

Pond at the Mountain Pass

You give wing to my heart,
as you ripple there,
a surprise, apart,
between the grasses
of October
and the hard rocks
of this Blue Ridge mountain pass,
frosted over.

Sweet creature,
you quench a traveler's desire
to rest by your side
as you appear, renew
transform the trees to sculpted spires
and luminous light-spheres.

Oh mountain pond,
forever you shall wander through my mind.
as I return to you
time after time,
to seek repose
in your azure world
that glows
in mirrored images,
exposed.

*

*

(=^:^=)

©jA Narrin, Wind-in-the- Feather -~^~ The Spirit Ridge Collection October in Asheville, 2010
Photo CREDIT JTNARRIN

LAND and Green-Built Homes in The Mountains- Market Remain Strong
Real Estate in Greater Asheville, North Carolina

Excellent eco-friendly properties promise appreciationin the Greater Asheville area mountains with predictions of stability during 2010.

Eco-designed developments, green-built homes and excellent acreages are worthy of note in the WNC region.

NOTE:

•· "Green" properties are in demand by buyers, and so they have added value for investors. People living in and relocating to the Greater Asheville area and mountains of Western North Carolina appreciate sustainable eco-oriented properties. They demand green-builthomes and want to live in eco-developments. Expect a strong return on your investment.

•· Cash stream as well as market appreciation is strong with income properties in the mountains. Here is an excellent opportunity to build/enjoy/rent out a second/vacation home.




Photo taken on Land For Sale by Owner ./\ (Photo shows green-built second/vacation home under construction in the Asheville NC area)

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(*)/'(*) .......... ............LAND in Asheville . Going Green Properties. Expert Tools for Sellers and Buyers of Mountain Homes and Land Legacies. "On the roll for sustainable innovation." See also our Mountain Homes and Land blog. http://landlegacies.blogspot.com/ Copyright © 2010. All Rights Reserved Asheville NC Real Estate Journal

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I am looking forward to Sundays on the Island In Madison County, North Carolina coming soon! It's still cold, so the Farmers' Market is indoors (see flyer and note below.)

But I can hardly wait to find vocal streams, rolling pastures, welcoming "coves" and unending vistas that take your breath away as I head out in Spring, 2010 to the Madison County farmers market (see photos.)

There's a spirit of community here. Camaraderie. Inclusiveness. A sense of place and a sense of belonging, all exemplified in the weekly tailgate markets. .It is all about Reconnecting with the Land; Meeting the People. Again... Heaven-on-Earth...For those of us who live and work here, that's how it can feel.

Today I'm taking you on a short drive north of Asheville, NC (about 18 minutes) to the tailgate market in Marshall, NC.Look out your window as we drive the scenic (excellently maintained) country roads. Do you see tobacco crops? Quite a few of them, actually? . That's because Madison County is the largest burley tobacco producing county in North Carolina. In fact, there are approximately 2,350 farms with burley tobacco quotas.

A decade ago, burley tobaccoaccounted for $10 to $12 million for agriculture income annually. But recently, as you may suspect, the demand for tobacco has been on the decline. Not to be defeated, local farmers have become creative. Crops are changing, and farmers are diversifying, and we are moving into sustainable agriculture.

That is one reason why Marshall's tailgate market exists.

And wait until you see where it is located. (see photos I took during my tailgate market visit)

Under huge, old trees, the Marshall tailgate market decorates the banks of the French Broad River every Sunday during the season.

Park your car and walk over to the colorful tents, produce, crafts...and PEOPLE!

Today expect to meet a master craftsman, a gourmet meatball sandwich chef, some political activists, musicians and local growers.

It's a community get-together where laughter and good-things abound. We will be able to enjoy the harvests of the most amazing ORGANIC crops.

Sundays on the Island
Cross the river at the Courthouse on Main Street
Marshall, Madison County
Sun 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Starts April 20, 2008

Meatball Sandwich, Anyone?

MMmmmmmm! Dee-lish-UHsss!

In the meantime, you and I can stop by Madison County Cooperative Extension Saturday (10am-2pm) to pick up some winter veggies, delicious breakfast, crafts, goat cheese and more for the Winter, 2010 Indoor Tailgate Market cur every 2^nd and 4^th Saturday of the month in January, February and March.

WE SUPPORT LOCAL FARMS AND FOOD

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Read a l.ocal expert's news about mountain and valley neighborhoods, day trips, picnics,
and local ecotourist attractions you'll just love. /\ Check THIS out /\ Curious about green building, remodeling and green communities ? Subscribe to Greenolina's "Green Wheels" BLOG.

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WE are IN a sustainable world.