Carol Clay, Broker/REALTOR Brevard NC Real Estate Specialist

Which is the better deal for a buyer? A $10,000 price reduction or a full price purchase with a lower interest rate? At first glance, a lot of buyers would jump at the price reduction. But that's not always the best choice if you are buying a home that you plan to live in for awhile.

Consider this home for sale in Brevard, North Carolina. In this scenario, a buyer could pay full price for the home and still save nearly $45,000 more than if they bought it after a $10,000 price reduction. It's possible with a simple seller credit at closing that reduces the buyer's loan rate. In the case of this home at 5 Crestview Drive, Brevard NC, a buyer would save $123.84 a month on their mortgage payment or $44,582 over the course of a typical 30-year loan.

For information about this or other properties for sale in the Brevard NC area, contact the Clay Team today! Or, visit us online at BrevardNCProperty.com.

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!

Say good-bye to summer! Fall is officially here and in western North Carolina that means leaf season has begun.

Peak leaf season runs from mid-October into early November although there is usually still plenty of color around as late as Thanksgiving as long as there are no heavy rains or winds to blow the remaining leaves to the ground. Sourwood and tulip trees traditionally kick off the season in late September with splashes of reds and yellows followed by the deep purple of the Bradford Pears (which aren't really pear trees, by the way). As we get into October, the birches, maples, oaks, sweetgums, and hickories join the party and everywhere you look is a blaze of color.

Naturally the higher elevations being to show color first. Around the Brevard area where the elevation reaches 3,000 ft., we're already seeing signs of fall in certain trees. Of course, pumpkins have been popping up at area tailgate markets and road side stands along with colorful mums and dried cornstalks, more sure signs that the season of crisp clear days, roaring fireplaces, and snugly sweaters is upon us.

Every year, I am confused about what truly determines whether or not we will have a good leaf season. Some experts say we've had abundant rain this year so the leaves aren't stressed and that will lead to a great season. Others say too much rain means there won't be as much color. I never know who to believe. According Wikipedia the color we see every year is actually there all year long. During the growing season, chlorophyll is produced at a faster rate which keeps the leaves green. But as the growing season comes to a close and the days become shorter, chlorophyll is used up faster than it is being produced in the leaf and over time, the green begins to fade away...revealing the "fall" colors underneath.

The fall season is also a great time of year if you've been thinking about land for sale in the Brevard, NC area. During the summer months, when the trees are full, it can be difficult to appreciate the value and location of a property. As leaves begin to drop, you have a much better idea about the "lay of the land", what is around it, and what kind of views are possible. It's also cooler and the summer bugs have gone where ever it is they go in the winter making the whole experience of walking land that much more enjoyable.

If you are planning a trip to the mountains, the Asheville Chamber of Commerce is a great source for tracking fall colors for the entire area. And if you're planning a trip to the Brevard area (only 30 minutes west of Asheville) be sure to check the new Visit Waterfalls website. It's chock full of great information about the Brevard area, the abundant outdoors activities, and more.

For more information about homes and land for sale in the Brevard, NC area, visit the Clay Team online, or call us at 828-551-6290 or 828-551-6291.

We live across from the Horsepasture River in Transylvania County...about 30 minutes west of Brevard. Even though we can't see the river from our front porch, we always hear it. It's typically a nice flowing mountain river that meaders through our community. Just down the street is a park where we can follow the river down to a waterfall.

All that has changed after days and days of torrential rain here in western North Carolina. In the park, the river, which normally runs about 2 feet below the edge, is now spilling over at least 20 ft from where it usually is. And the water fall....well, see for yourself.

When I visit a small town like Brevard, whether I'm there for a vacation, or just passing through, I like to look for those small out of the way places where the locals go. Chain restaurants are fine in a pinch, but it's special when good food meets local charm. That's what you'll find at a new eatery in Brevard, NC called The Gate Keepers Table. You'll find it in the WalMart shopping center on the corner of Hwy 64 and 276 which is also the entrance to the Pisgah National Forest. If you're here to visit a while, the Hampton Inn is right across the parking lot.

We first tried Gate Keepers for lunch which is when we met Lynley Todd, the owner. Lynley is a local gal and single mom of three teenage boys. She was busy that day serving tables and visiting with the growing lunch crowd. The lunch menu is an eclectic blend of fresh home-made Mexican cuisine, vegetarian, and all American staples like hamburgers and sweet potato fries. Lynley will happily point out that they never fry beef or poultry in their vegetable fryers so vegans, or anyone who just doesn't eat meat, can be assured that no animal products were used in the preparation of their meal. Robert had the American hamburger that day ($6.50). It was a big 8 oz burger with all the fixings and it didn't stay long on his plate. I had the warm goat cheese salad ($8.95). Two hearty slices of goat cheese are breaded with sliced almonds and bread crumbs then lightly sauteed to create a warm crispy crust.They are served on a bed of greens, including spinach, sprinkled with dried cranberries, granny smith apples, and cucumbers, and topped with the restaurant's own honey-poppy seed dressing. That dish alone will bring me back for lunch any day of the week. Other lunch items we tried since that first visit include the warm cashew chicken salad, and the grilled chicken breast sandwich. Both tasty. Veggie lovers will find plenty of choices on the lunch menu including a veggie fajita burrito, open face veggie burger, and a fresh veggie sandwich. For south of the border flare, try taquitos mexicanos, spinach enchiladas, quesadilla de fajitas, or my favorite, the caldo de pollo soup. I haven't tried the desserts yet but with choices that include homemade roasted walnut-cranberry bread pudding topped with brandied granny smith apples, homemade REAL chocolate mousse, crepe of the day, and fresh grapefruit-mint sorbet, you can be sure I'll have a hard time choosing!

Gate Keepers has also become a popular spot for breakfast so one Sunday morning we stopped in with a group of friends to give it a try. If breakfast is your favorite meal of the day, you'll have lots to love at Gate Keepers. They serve only cage-free eggs, the grits are stone-ground and cooked with milk and cream and plenty of real butter, and their sausage is home-made. The specialty is their homemade southern buttermilk pepper biscuits. From our table, the omelets got high marks for fresh ingredients and plenty of them. The peppery buttermilk biscuits were tasty, but a little confusing for folks who like lots of jelly on their biscuits. But eat them simply with some butter or have them under some of the homemade sausage gravy and it's wonderful thing. If there was one item that came up short it was the pancakes. Personally, I like my pancakes big and fluffy and these were more like crepes. Tasty for sure, but next time I think I'll opt for the French Toast of the day which looked divine.

So the next time you're in Brevard and feeling hungry, stop by The Gate Keepers Table. It's only open for breakfast and lunch. You can reach them at 828-877-2200. Tell them the Clay Team sent you! We give it 4 Spoons!

Photo Source: Flickr.com