Mountain Heritage

Four years, five continents, 100 musicians, One Love—Playing for Change.

2010-01-09T22:35:00.001-05:00

No more war...

One Love | Playing For Change | Song Around the World

2010-01-09T22:24:00.001-05:00

What a concept!!!

Realty World Dodge Ball team takes 3rd place

2009-10-30T06:24:00.004-04:00

I am proud to announce that the Realty World Heritage Professional Dodge ball Team placed 3rd out of 16 in Thursdays tournament. After a first round loss, the team came roaring back and won 5 straight to win the "Losers" bracket. At the end of the night the team finished in 3rd place. The only casualty was Pat, who strained a hamstring while attempting to avoid a fastball, but he did great for an old guy.

The night was a bunch of fun for all and the team represented Realty World better than our wildest imagination (it was a blast!)

Team Members:

Pat Bennett (Captain)
Tom Mallette
Kenny Wells (Realty World Lawn Guy)
Dustin Wells (Realty World Lawn Guy Apprentice)
Adam (Carolina Vacations Maintenance)
Adam's Girlfriend (it is late and I have forgotten her name)

Cheer Squad:

Christine Mallette (Cheer leader)
Breyson Mallette
Kayden Mallette
Lynda Bennett (Lead Strategist)

If you see any of the "dream team" walking around give them a pat on the back for a job well done! (and give Pat a shoulder to lean on until he can walk again)

I cannot believe you read all this! Tom

"You can't talk about reform without talking about health" Ada Fisher

2009-08-26T22:17:00.001-04:00

Dr. Ada M. Fisher has a clear and helpful approach.

Mountain Heritage on Face Book

2009-07-29T07:44:00.002-04:00

Mountain Heritage on Facebook

3/50 Plan to Save Local Businesses is Picking Up Steam

2009-07-09T14:13:00.004-04:00

The Poster and the Concept... Click HERE http://www.the350project.net/home.html

Local Efforts to Save Main Street Bring In Traffic
Campaigns Give Neighborhood Stores Short-Term Boost, but Long-Term Effects on Businesses Remain Unclear...
By RAYMUND FLANDEZ
Ginger MacCutcheon's tiny pet supply shop is no Petco or PetSmart, but lately she has managed to turn that to her advantage.

After her store, Ginger Pet House, came close to folding this past winter when sales slipped 35%, Ms. MacCutcheon got involved with the 3/50 project, a movement backed by small enterprises that encourages shoppers to pick three independently owned businesses and spend $50 a month at them. She downloaded ready-made fliers and brochures from the project's Web site advertising its "buy local" mission.

Ms. MacCutcheon said results for the four-year-old Independence, Ohio, store were dramatic: Foot traffic increased by as much as 30 new customers a week on top of the usual trickle. By mid-June, sales for the month had topped $3,000, more than double that of some previous months. "I'm so excited because I thought I was going to go out of business," said Ms. MacCutcheon, 51 years old. "I don't think that's going to happen now."

The economic downturn has prompted many consumers and neighborhood groups to actively support small businesses in their local communities, as residents pitch in to try to avoid boarded-up shops on Main Street. Still, it remains unclear whether buy-local campaigns provide just a short-term boost or a lasting impact on revenues.

Dan Collins, owner of high-end pen store Gilbertson Clybourn Inc. in Chicago, sold only about two dozen Montblanc pens this past holiday season, as opposed to previous seasons' 200 to 400 average of the $350-plus pens.
So he put up a hand-written sign in the store's window: "Dear Customers, I understand why you're not coming in these days. This is a great time to buy a fine pen. All pens are drastically reduced. Sincerely, Dan."

After the local paper wrote a story about the sign, Mr. Collins saw 20 to 30 people drop by daily. "I don't know if they felt bad or sorry, but they actually came to my rescue," he said.
Eric Fridman, an assistant dean at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management in Evanston, Ill., picked up a $300 Visconti Van Gogh, discounted at 25% off. "I was feeling a little bit guilty in not supporting my local merchant," Mr. Fridman said.

But Mr. Collins said the bump in sales was temporary. Now, he only sees about one or two people dropping by, with many of them just wanting a refill. "That only lasted so long," he said.

A survey released in January by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, a Minneapolis nonprofit research group, found that community efforts can often at least protect independent companies from the worst of the recession. Independent retailers in cities with buy-local campaigns saw holiday sales drop 3.2% from the previous year, compared with 5.6% in cities without them. There are about 100 such campaigns across the country, the group estimates.

Douglas Bachtel, a demographer at the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga., said buy-local campaigns can succeed when customers understand that "dollars stay home" when they support independent companies in their communities.

"Hopefully, it's not just a fad but will continue to pick up," said Mr. Bachtel, also a professor of housing and consumer economics. "Educating a local population on the importance of buying locally is a long-learning process."

Groups such as the American Independent Business Alliance in Bozeman, Mont., help communities organize buy-local campaigns. The key, said co-founder Jeff Milchen, is to convince consumers "that choosing a local independent business is often the best overall value."
The 3/50 Project, created by Cinda Baxter of Minneapolis in March, has taken the buy-local creed across the country from Lake Havasu City, Ariz. to Hoboken, N.J. "It's really an investment program," Ms. Baxter said. Customers are investing their dollars in locally-owned businesses, which, in turn, improve their customer service. "It's making a difference," she said.
In Skippack, Pa., a group of 19 independent businesses worked together to spread word of the campaign. Each put in $10 to print out about 2,000 postcards that advertised to local customers that if they spent $150 total at any of the participating businesses, they'd get 10% off meals in local restaurants. More than 50 people have taken up the offer, handing in their postcards with stapled receipts to get a discounted dinner.

Customer Susan Steele, an e-marketing manager at Siemens Corp., said she now thinks first about patronizing local businesses, even though shopping online or at a nearby mall's chain stores is more convenient.

This week, she bought a pair of shorts at a local women's clothing boutique. "It takes a little bit more time, but it's worth it," she said.

For Ms. McCutcheon, the buy-local campaign has helped keep her shop afloat. For now. "This gives you the hope to keep fighting," she said.
Write to By Raymund Flandez at raymund.flandez@wsj.com
copy Wall Street Journal http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124631541083270621.html

Red, White and Boom in Maggie Valley, NC (69 Degrees right Now)

2009-07-04T12:14:00.005-04:00

Are you looking for a cool place to spend the 4th of July - drive to Maggie Valley for 69 degree weather and a Free Independence Day Celebration... Red, White And Boom!

Details:2-10pm
The festival Grounds in Maggie Valley, NC... bring chairs and a blanket. Lots of good music and food will be available... couldn't find a cooler place to be than the Mountains of North CArolina!

Lynda Bennett, a Peak Experience since 1986
Realty World Heritage
Maggie Valley, NC
www.MountianHeritage.com

Post and Beam Home for sale Maggie Valley NC

2009-06-01T23:06:00.005-04:00

www.mountainheritage.com/listings/l0019.html

Maggie Valley NC, NC 28751`
(828) 926-5200 ext 112

Lynda Bennett

Comfortable Classic Post and Beam
Classic mountain home with beamed ceilings... stone fireplace (woodstoves) in LR and DR and bedroom upstairs... lots of Glass for the VIEWS in all major rooms... Post and Beam style construction... complete privacy... Mountain views over the Maggie Golf course... Many upgrades... solid surfaces... brick floors... romantic master bedroom... lots of details... open and covered decks... Garage & work shop in basement PLUS large detached pole barn shop... Great style... For those that are looking for a special home in a gated golf community... complete info on the web www.mountainheritage.com/listings/l0019.html

Contact: Lynda Bennett, Realtor Maggie Valley and Waynesville

Ghost Town Open for new 2009 Season, Maggie Valley NC

2009-05-25T02:02:00.002-04:00

Everyone in the Maggie Valley is pleased to see Ghost Town open its doors Friday for the New Season. For more information follow this link to the Mountaineer News Article: http://www.themountaineer.com/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1401:ghost-town-opens-friday&catid=25:the-project&Itemid=27

Lynda Bennett, realtor
www.MountainHeritage.com
Maggie Valley and Waynesville, NC

Timberframe home in Maggie Valley NC - Home for sale

2009-05-18T00:34:00.005-04:00

Now Under Contract

Cool Elevations and Top Quality amenities in an affordable price range.

http://www.mountainheritage.com/listings/l0018.html Click HERE: For complete information on this Timberframe Home in Maggie Valley above the Maggie Club.

Post and Beam... sophisticated quality of construction. Outstanding workmanship... delightful views... interesting interior spaces... multiple outdoor living areas... cozy stone fireplace in open ceiling room with loft overlooking... timberframe beams and mortised joints apparent throughout... Tasteful decor... very livable floor plan... Cool altitude in gated community above golf course... lots of trees... mountain driveway... Furnishings available... mountain views of Maggie Valley.

Post and Beam construction... Heat Pump... stone fireplace... covered porches and open decks... Hot tub on the covered porch with views... Loft overlooks the fireplace

Your Peak Experience in real estate since 1986

Lynda Bennett

Maggie Valley and Waynesville NC Realtor

MountainHeritage.com

2009-05-09T10:54:00.001-04:00

Attended the 'Opening Night' of Star Trek, in DP (digital Picture). Wow... was it fun! It is a must do. So new... yet so many good memories - the story line gets you in the first 5 minutes.

Affordable home for sale near Maggie Valley NC... with Mountain Views and Bold Stream on border

2009-05-04T00:06:00.005-04:00

http://www.mountainheritage.com/listings/l0003.html Click Here for the link to the web page for this house with complete info and PhotoGallery.

Life is pleasant on the large front porch of this mountain home. Listening to rushing creek and watching the clouds drift in front of the Maggie Valley Mountain views... Inside the Large Living room features the wood burning fireplace... located not tool high up just off Black Camp Gap.

Contact: Lynda Bennett for a showing

Mountain Heritage, a Peak Experience since 1986

Maggie Valley Condo for sale - Like New... Golf and Mountain Views

2009-05-03T22:57:00.006-04:00

http://www.mountainheritage.com/listings/l0002.html .. Click Here - Web Page for this listing with photo gallery and complete info about the condo.

Located close to the clubhouse for easy tee times and walk to dinner convenience... enjoy the club life style. Bright cheerful home with high ceilings... open great room... split bedroom plan.... Breakfast bar... gas fireplace... covered porch for al fresco dining... elevator... Garage may be available (extra)... The climate in Maggie Valley can not be beat year round. Come relax and enjoy.

Contact: Lynda Bennett, Realty World Heritage for showing or additional info

For Vacation Rental info: 828-926-1616 The Maggie Valley Club

The Amenities in the "Barn" are the style you would expect in a much more expensive home in Waynesville

2009-05-03T17:58:00.008-04:00

http://www.vrbo.com/199249 Rental info available
http://www.mountainheritage.com/listings/l0015.html Web Page for the "Barn"
Scoll down for more info....

6 Deer Run
Bethel, NC 28786
(828) 926-5200
Click here for price
Stunning Upscale Barn near Waynesville
Upscale as much as imaginable... high design features. This quaint, quality cottage affords a country ambiance but is it France or Italy? Designed as a get away but with all the comforts of home. .. Viking 6 burner stove... French farmhouse sink... Italian patio... claw foot tub... post and beam construction... with open loft bedroom, great yard, open living,furnishings available. Hear the river from the porch. Lake Logan community. Guest bedroom or office. Click Here for complete Information.
Click on this Link for Photo Gallery: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mountainheritage2/sets/72157617535432085/

Contact: Lynda Bennett

for more info and showing

http://www.mountainheritage.com/

Founding Fathers on the Public Debt

2009-05-02T11:14:00.002-04:00

Click on this Podcast to hear what our Founding Fathers Said about Public Debt - BTW was George Washington Republican or Democrat??? http://ping.fm/IfmZ1

2009-04-29T00:33:00.001-04:00

It is grand to be back in Carolina again. Enjoyed the visit with Mom on her birthday.

Contemporary Victorian - Top Quality construction near Waynesville - Home for Sale

2009-04-26T02:07:00.008-04:00

http://www.mountainheritage.com/listings/l0001.html Click Here for Complete info and virtual tour, videos, fliers, photo gallery... etc!

http://www.weblisters.net/Flyers/WebFlyer.cfm?ListingID=5846&ID=129 Click Here for web Flier

General:
• 1.6 Acres of privacy
• 2300 Square Feet Heated
• Built 1998
• 3 Bedrooms/ 2 ½ Baths
• Two story Contemporary Victorian
• Private Well
• Dual Heat Pump, Zoned
• Septic
• Double car garage main
• Composition Shingle Roof
• Paved Street
• Maintenance Agreement $180 per year.

Exterior:
• Fiber Cement Siding
• Deck, screened in porch and Covered Porch with concrete floors
• Insulated Windows
• Mountain Views
• Paved access…year round

Interior:
• Great Room has fireplace…bank of windows for the Views
• Great design and floor plan
• Master on Main with
Whirlpool tub, Access to screen porch
• Study: vaulted ceiling in den…with fireplace
• Open Floor Plan
• Open Dining sun porch
• Pull-down attic stairs
• Hardwood and tile floors
• Gas Water Heater
• Laundry – off kitchen

Kitchen
• Eat-in with Breakfast Bar
• Glassed in Breakfast nook
• Oven/Range
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Refrigerator
• Solid Surface counters

353 Ridgeview Lane
Bethel, NC 28716
(828) 926-5200
Click here for price

Contemporary Victorian in picturesque View Setting
-Attractive contemporary open spacious Victorian style home... Mountain VIEWS... private yard & garden... paved access year round... 9' ceilings... gleaming wood and tile floors... Many floor length windows & several bays... all the extras... concrete porches... dual Heat Pump... gorgeous setting - you will be impressed... Vaulted ceiling & Fireplace in Den/Office... Plus, Great room has Fire Place, bank of windows, open to Dining sun Porch... Great Curb Appeal... Upgraded Kitchen - solid counter tops, eat-in dining bay... Master on Main with jet tub... Do Not miss the Virtual Tour...

MORE...

Foreclosure in Waynesville North Carolina on New Home

2009-04-25T00:19:00.001-04:00

In these interesting times, we find opportunities to buy quality properties for less.
http://www.mountainheritage.com/listings/l0013.html Click Here for complete information!

This may be one of those opportunities. This new home is on the market as a foreclosure property. The home has never been lived in and it is in one of the premier neighborhoods in Waynesville, NC.

So if this new construction is of interest to you please let me know. Be sure to notice the gorgeous VIEWS, the large windows in the great room with a 2-story fireplace, and big bedrooms. The full basement is unfinished at this time. The two car garages are on the main level, which makes for easy access.

Give a call or an email for additional info or a showing!

Top Quality Barna Log $875,000 - real estate in mountains of North Carolina - near Maggie Valley NC

2009-04-23T18:23:00.000-04:00

A picture is worth a thousand words ; so watch the virtual tour below. $875,000

Click on this photo to watch the Virtual Tour!!

Click on this link http://www.mountainheritage.com/listings/l0006.htmlfor complete photos and information about this Log Home near Waynesville.

4 Suites
Outstanding Views of the mountains
Gracious Kitchen for entertaining (with Butlers Pantry)
Huge workshop in basement
Master on Main
Interesting Archetectural features and massive Log accents

Welcome
This sophisticated rustic Log Home shows a tasteful use of natural materials combined with refined wood, polished granite and delightful fixtures.

The Logs
You will notice the beautiful 12”, 14”, and 16” round accent logs are hand peeled and are used as accents around the house.
9” round Barna Logs are used in the construction.

The View
The views wrap around the home on all sides. The house orients to the most dramatic sightings with a 270° degree long range view, but the remainder of the 360° degree view is pastoral and mountainous.

The Setting
This small neighborhood, The Glens of Ironduff, provides easy year round access with paved streets and year round neighbors as well. The knoll top setting shows off the house to its’ best advantage. The wide open views surround the house. There is small but charming creek on the border of the property in a peaceful wooded ravine of big oaks.

The 2.419 acres affords privacy as well as views. The house overlooks a neighbor but no houses feel like they overlook this home. There are neighbors but not right on top of each other.

In General
The quality of construction is evident in all areas of the home. The Barna Logs are upgraded to 9 inch round logs. The thermal pane windows on the main level are sliders that can be opened up like a screen room. There is a Mission theme that runs through out; that seems to blend with the logs without being too fussy. Solid wood beams and hand peeled accent posts offer support in some of the most visible areas of the home. The foyer makes a grand statement and is reminiscent of an indoor forest. The natural tone of the massive log trees adds a unique quality through out.

Approximately 5600 square feet heated
2005 completion, nearly new
4 Bedrooms and 4½ Baths plus a second half bath in the workshop, and a Media room upstairs
Workshop with all the extras in Basement
2 car Garage with storage and utility
Dream Laundry with craft space, and double sink
Two propane furnaces
Electric Air-conditioning
Two 50 gallon electric water heaters,

also an On - Demand propane water heater for Master suite
Hard wired generator, with separate panel box
Thermal pane windows
Wood, tile and carpet floors

The Grand Room
The first impression is ‘Wow’.
The open Foyer leads through the huge round logs to reach the wide open great room. You will be drawn to look out the floor to ceiling windows to enjoy the views. Then you will realize how beautiful and impressive the room is.
Tongue and groove wood ceilings accented with solid wood beams
Wood floors, Stone Fireplace
Rounded archways lead to Sunroom
French doors to the porches
Lovely sliding energy efficient windows

The Fireplace
The fireplace is masonry hand built for use with wood or as a gas log burning fireplace. This masonry construction is hard to find in today’s new construction. The unit is equipped with a turn key for the gas (off or on). There is the option to remove the gas logs and burn wood, according to the owner. The fireplace is constructed of stacked stone from the floor to the ceiling, up two stories high.

The Kitchen
A very large area encompasses the kitchen and dining. Heavily beamed ceilings, windows to the view, and French doors to the porch open the kitchen to the outdoors. The gas grill connections are conveniently located on the porch. Much thought went into the design and function of the kitchen.
Thermador double ovens (convection and conventional)
Glass top range with tumbled stone back splash
Island with second sink and stain glass fixtures
Cherry wood Mission style cabinets · from Kraft Maid
· Self close drawers
· Lifting shelf for heavy mixers
· Wine storage
· Glass accent doors with lighting
Butlers’ pantry plus walk in pantry
· Tile and wood floors
· Much storage and many shelves
· Access to Laundry and Garage
Appliances that remain with house
· Stove and Double wall ovens
· Generator Hot Tub and
· Two disposals
· Mowing Tractor available (extra)

The Main Suite
Open views
French doors to covered porch with hot tub
Wood floors
Jacuzzi Whirlpool tub
Double vanities
Tile walk in shower with ‘rainfall’ head
Large walk in closet
Stain glass accent fixtures

Sun Room
Open all the windows for a sun porch ambiance
Arched doorway to access from the Grand Room

Powder room
In the Foyer
Hammered copper bowl sits on a finished furniture Cabinet
Kohler fixture

Upstairs
3 bedrooms, 3 full baths
with walk in closets
(plus a media room)
Open loft area (for computer/study)
View in both front & back of house

Work Shop
On lower level
Deluxe accommodations for a wood shop, etc.
Plenty of plugs, High voltage
Easy entry – drive in
Huge porch attached
Could be a game room, or???
Heated and cooled

2 car Garage
With storage
On main level

Porches
Round log posts and railings
Wood ceilings and beams

http://www.mountainheritage.com/listings/l0006.htmlClick HERE to learn more about this Log Home near Waynesville NC home for sale.

Lynda Bennett

real estate Broker

REALTY WORLD - Heritage Realty, Maggie Valley, NC

Protect Yourself with Knowledge - Avoid Mortgage Loan Scams

2009-04-20T22:17:00.002-04:00

http://activerain.com/blogsview/1043207/HEY-MOM-WHERES-FANNIE-MAE-LOAN-MODIFICATION-THE-NEXT-CONSUMER-SCAM-SCANDAL

I have posted this article written by another Realtor. As a group, we are exposed to the pain and anguish associated with these difficult economic times.

To add insult to injury through these scams is completely unacceptable. Please pass this article on to others that may benefit from this warning.

Fun in the snow in Maggie Valley... April 7, 2009

2009-04-07T09:36:00.007-04:00

(Maggie Valley, NC) A fresh blanket of snow has covered western North Carolina mountains. We have seen snow and much colder temperatures in April, recently in 2007. But it always seems to surprise us here in the Southern Appalachians (emphasis Southern). It is beautiful.

Is it also a good excuse to work from home today??? There is four inches at the 3500 foot elevation, which could make it challenging to get to town. But realistically we know that travelling will be fine once we reach the main roads; they will be clear and safe.

It is still drifting down, so for a little longer I will imagine that we are snowed in! I like that thought.

Thinking Snow? Click Here... http://cataloochee.ning.com/profile/LyndaBennett
Lynda Bennett from Maggie Valley

What can a Realtor do for me (in Maggie Valley, NC?)

2009-03-23T23:44:00.000-04:00

A full service Realtor will do a lot of things for you. Have you ever heard the saying…

‘If you think hiring a professional is expensive; just wait until you hire some one who is not.’

My Successful Selling System includes the
15 Point Plan to Sell your Property

4 Main Categories
· Internet Marketing
· Local and Regional Marketing
· Mailings – Mass Marketing
· On site – In Home Marketing

Internet Marketing
Internet Marketing – reaching millions of Buyers (Craigslist, Zillow, ‘Backpages’ of Florida newspapers, DuPont Registry) through over 40 different site postings
Visual Tour – 360 degree photos
Realtor.com upgraded site with additional photos and link to Visual Tour
Personal web sites: http://www.mountainheritage.com/ and http://www.realtyworldheritage.com/
Web Marketing associated with all print advertising medias
Local and Regional Marketing
Multiple Listing Service for 5 Counties surrounding Haywood County – contact with these agents brings in more buyers.
Print Advertising monthly
Real Scope board full display in the office
Mass Marketing
Mail outs and postcards reaching 100 - 200 neighboring residents and my sphere of influence to ask if they know a buyer for this home.
Talking House – radio broadcaster in the house to reach the buyers car radio
On site Marketing
Brochures that market the property from a flier box in the front yard and can be emailed to buyers
Sign in the Yard
Keys and Lock Box installation for easy showings
Track showings, make appointments and provide feedback to seller about all showings
Prepare a Home Buyers Book to leave information at the property for Buyers to review.
Use Lynda Bennett, as your Realtor
Lynda Bennett, Realtor
Providing a Peak Experience Since 1986

www.MountainHeritage.com

Surprise! Housing Starts Surge (So how is Maggie Valley?)

2009-03-18T21:12:00.002-04:00

WASHINGTON -- Housing construction posted a surprisingly large increase in February, bolstered by strength in all parts of the country except the West.

While the surge in construction was far better than the continued decline economists had expected, experts viewed the rebound as a temporary gain given all the problems the housing industry still faces.

The Commerce Department reported Tuesday that construction of new homes and apartments jumped 22.2 percent in February compared with January, pushing total activity to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 583,000 units. (By Martin Crutsinger - The Associated Press)

(Haywood County, NC) Maggie Valley has not seen the effects of this new construction surge. Many of these new starts appear to be in the rental/apartment sector. That is not the focus of our construction industry. We are focused on resort/second home sales.

We previewed a beautiful new Log construction in the Cove, today on caravan priced in the $600,000's. It is about 2/3 complete at this time. And i have a new home that is in foreclosure for sale - see complete details at: http://www.mountainheritage.com/listings/l0013.html

Lynda Bennett, a Peak Experience since1986

NC Foreclosures Down 50% in February (Maggie Valley, NC)

2009-03-18T17:37:00.000-04:00

It is important to keep our eyes focused on the light at the end of the tunnel. Interpreting the news that we receive daily requires some filters. And I am hearing indicators that are beneficial to North Carolina. For instance...

While the rest of the country is reeling from an unexpected rise in foreclosure filings, the number of foreclosures in North Carolina fell 49.7 percent in February, according to data from RealtyTrac Inc..

The state had 2,039 foreclosures in February, with one in every 2,023 homeowners receiving a default notice, auction-sale notice or bank-repossession filing.

Foreclosure filings in North Carolina fell 14.5 percent in February from January.

Across the country, foreclosure filings rose nearly 30 percent last month from February 2008. There were 290,631 foreclosure filings, which affected one in every 440 U.S. households. Nevada, Arizona and California posted the top foreclosure rates in the country last year.

Source: North Carolina Realtor Report:from Charlotte Observer (link Below for full article).
http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/stories/2009/03/09/daily36.html

2009-03-18T16:37:00.001-04:00

We heard good news about real estate at our office meeting today,3/18/09. Also, Interest rates are low (around 5%) and we have buyers looking for houses (if they are bargains). So things are looking up.