Kevin Teeters & Ashley Teeters Hickory NC Realtors

Well, if you were lucky enough to have attended Catawba County's Agri-Tourism Day on June 18, 2011, then this would be an easy answer for you!

Sheep, corn, honey, and blackberries were just some of the many things available from local farms. The Catawba County Chamber of Commerce partnered with local farms to host a day for self-guided tours of County Farms.

We began our morning by visiting Shady Oaks Farm. We picked blackberries and blueberries. This farm in Newton, NC also offered other fruits, vegetables, honey, and free-range eggs.

Next, we visited Poovey Apiary in Maiden, NC. What's an apiary, you ask? That is a place where bees make honey in their beehive. We purchased clover and wildflower honey, and the jars contained pieces of the honey comb.

Finally, we visited LFR Farms and Greenhouses, also located in Newton, NC. This farm was amazing, covering 1,000 acres! We were able to sample their home-grown Strawberry Cider - YUM! We purchased sweet corn and squash from this location.

Other locations participating in the Agri-Tourism Day included Windy Wool Windings (purebred Montadale sheep), Ira Cline Farm (fruits, jams, jellies, and cider), Sipe Angus Farm (beef cattle), Red Wolf Farm (a Civil War reenactment), Buffalo Beals Animal Park (some animals included antelopes, giraffes, and kangaroos), and Bird Brain Ostrich Ranch (which sells eggs and meat).

Following our farm tours, we then stopped by one of the three local farmer's markets taking place in the county, where we purchased more fruit and vegetables.

The day was an adventure! We learned about our local area farms and supported our local community by buying local produce.

I'm hopeful to see more events like this throughout our county. Nothing feels as good as supporting your own community!

Kevin Teeters Realty LLC is pleased to announce that both Kevin Teeters and Ashley Teeters have completed requirements for the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Green Designation.

The NAR Green Designation is a real estate designation that allows real estate professionals to act as an advocate for green principles in the design and use of homes, as well as for creating sustainable communities.

NAR's Green Designation was peer-reviewed by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Green Buildings Council, and received the 2009 Award of Excellence from the American Society of Association Executives.

The designation also provides real estate professionals with knowledge and awareness of green building principles applied in residences so that they can guide buyer-clients in purchasing and retrofitting green homes, as well as help sellers by listing and marketing the green features of their properties.

Kevin Teeters Realty LLC's knowledge and awareness of green building principles will enhance our ability to help local home buyers and sellers who want to or have been thinking about going green.

We would like to give a special THANK YOU to The High Country Association of REALTORS® for giving us this opportunity to achieve our NAR GREEN Designation!

To learn more about going green with real estate, please visit www.greenresourcecounsil.org and to learn more about Kevin Teeters Realty LLC, visit http://kevinteetersrealty.com.

Most of us are in the midst of filing our taxes. This is a great time to think of ways of putting those tax returns to the best use. How better to use that money than on home improvements that could result in tax deductions for next year?

Not all home improvements are considered tax deductions, though. Our tax advisor has advised that we should be looking for things that add value to your home, increase the life of your home, or provides a new use for your home. Things like painting a room or replacing your air filters would likely not qualify because these are considered routine maintenance on the home.

So what does qualify for a tax deduction? Think green and energy efficient and you will do well this year! Some ways to spend that tax refund this year might include:

•· Updating or replacing your insulation

•· Energy efficient doors or windows

•· Replacing your air conditioning or heating unit with a more energy-efficient one

•· Replacing your tank water heater with a tank-less or non-solar unit

•· Installing solar panels

Also, as a way of saving energy, which will save you money each month, consider switching some of your home's outdated appliances with more energy efficient appliances. We participate with Duke Power and they recently offered a free mailing of 12 LED light bulbs to their account holders. These bulbs are said to last for years and use much less energy than traditional light bulbs. We also make it a habit to look for the Energy Star label on appliances that we replace in our home, like microwaves, televisions, dishwashers, or washing machines. These changes in appliances can result in monthly utility bill savings, helping both you and the environment.

As your refund checks from the federal and state arrive, consider giving your home the savings this year, which will result in additional tax deductions next year and energy savings throughout this year.

Enjoy this well maintained townhome that overlooks a beautiful winding stream.  Updated new flooring, new heat pump, new water heater, and fresh paint in kitchen.  Seller is also offering negotiable new flooring in living room for buyer.  Open floor plan on lower level offers views of rock fireplace.  Large bedrooms on upper level.  $78,900

MLS # 9546459

HUD Homes in Catawba County (NC) for the week of October 20, 2010

Staff from Kevin Teeters Realty visited these homes to tour and take additional photographs.

109 Acreview Lane, Maiden NC 28650  $64,000

2303 Palmetto Drive, Newton NC 28658  $44,800

112 W 24th St, Newton NC 28658  $40,000

For more information about any of these homes, please contact me today!