Craig Messer, Author at Craig Messer

Haywood County: Nature, Culture, and Adventure

by Craig Messer

Sitting in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina, Haywood County with its natural beauty, charming towns, and endless outdoor adventures.

Home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, Haywood County offers unparalleled opportunities for hiking, camping, and scenic drives amidst breathtaking vistas and waterfalls.

Waynesville and Maggie Valley exude small-town charm, with vibrant downtowns, local shops, and family-friendly attractions like the Wheels Through Time Museum and Cataloochee Ski Area.

Explore the region’s rich heritage at the Mountain Heritage Center and immerse yourself in global traditions at the Folkmoot USA International Festival.

From hiking the Appalachian Trail to whitewater rafting on the Pigeon River, Haywood County is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Golf courses, scenic drives, and fly-fishing streams abound.

Indulge in farm-fresh flavors and mountain cuisine, from Southern classics to gourmet delights like fried green tomatoes and homemade apple pie.Haywood County offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure in the heart of western North Carolina. Come experience the magic of this hidden gem in the mountains.

Earnest Money in North Carolina Real Estate

by Craig Messer

In North Carolina’s real estate landscape, earnest money plays a pivotal role. Let’s explain

What is Earnest Money? Earnest money is a deposit made by the buyer to show serious intent to purchase a property. It shows commitment and strengthens the buyer’s offer.

Significance:

Commitment: Signals the buyer’s sincerity in the transaction.
Negotiation: Amount can be negotiated; higher deposits may strengthen the offer.
Risk Mitigation: Protects sellers in case of buyer default.
Contingency Resolution: Helps resolve contingencies like financing or inspections.

Earnest Money in North Carolina:

Held by a closing attorney
Credited toward the buyer’s down payment and closing costs at closing.

Conclusion: Earnest money is vital in North Carolina real estate. It signifies commitment, mitigates risks, and aids in smoother transactions for both buyers and sellers.

Understanding Due Diligence in NC

by Craig Messer

Due Diligence Fees in North Carolina

In North Carolina, due diligence fees are an important aspect of purchasing a home. Let’s explain-

What is Due Diligence Fee?

It’s a payment made by the buyer to the seller to secure a period for property inspection and research.

How Does it Work?

Negotiated between buyer and seller.
Paid upfront to the seller.
Typically non-refundable.
Allows the buyer to back out without losing earnest money during the due diligence period.

Why is it Important?

Gives buyers time for thorough property evaluation.
Compensates sellers for taking their home off the market temporarily.

Due diligence fees in North Carolina give buyers a safeguard and compensate sellers for their time. It’s a vital part of the home buying process in the state.

Navigating the Real Estate Market- Tips for Success

by Craig Messer

Navigating the Real Estate Market: Tips for Success

In the dynamic world of real estate, especially in Western North Carolina. Success hinges on informed decisions and strategic approaches. Whether you’re buying or selling, here are key tips to help you navigate the market effectively.

Stay Informed: Have an idea of local market trends, economic factors, and demographic shifts to understand the market

Set Realistic Expectations: Sellers should accurately assess their property’s value, while buyers should define their budget and priorities realistically.

Work with Professionals: Partner with me, Craig Messer of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Heritage, and consider other professionals like mortgage brokers (whom I can recommend) for guidance and support.

Prepare Your Property: Sellers should declutter, stage, and address repairs to enhance the property’s appeal and value. This is very important! You are selling your house so put your best foot forward

Explore Financing Options: Buyers should research and secure pre-approval for financing to understand their budget and options. This should be step number one for a buyer. How can you buy a home when you dont know what you can afford?

Negotiate Wisely: Both buyers and sellers should negotiate thoughtfully, considering price, contingencies, and timelines. Everyone can “win” if you take the time to see the other sides viewpoint in negotiating.

By staying informed, setting realistic expectations, working with professionals, preparing properties, exploring financing, and negotiating wisely, you can navigate the real estate market with confidence and achieve success.

Here at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Heritage, I am ready to help you navigate the entire process. From start to finish I will be there! If you’re looking to buy in Haywood County NC, Canton, Waynesville, Maggie Valley, Clyde, or anywhere in WNC lets take the journey together

Finding Joy in Real Estate: A WNC Perspective

by Craig Messer

In the scenic beauty of Western North Carolina’s mountains, joy is found in the everyday. From stunning mansions on the hill to cozy homes, there’s happiness waiting in every corner, even within real estate.

1. Gratitude Practice: In Western NC, gratitude is all around from the mountain views and charming homes. Whether you’re a homeowner or agent, gratitude brings joy for the natural beauty and opportunities.

2. Mindful Living: Among the mountains, mindfulness is key. Take a breath, enjoy nature, and embrace the simplicity of mountain living. Being present brings joy in every moment.

3. Pursuing Passions: In Western NC, real estate is a passion. From log cabins to mountain retreats, following your passion in real estate brings fulfillment and joy.

4. Cultivating Connections: In mountain communities, real estate is about relationships. Whether with clients or fellow agents, fostering connections brings joy and satisfaction.

In WNC, joy is woven into everyday life. Whether buying, selling, or simply admiring the mountains, take a moment to appreciate the happiness that surrounds you.

February Newsletter

by Craig Messer

Here’s to February-love, groundhog day and leap year!

January has come and gone and we move on to the month of love. The great philosopher Dr Seuss said- “You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” We also get groundhog day this month, so here’s your reminder to take time to watch the classic Bill Murray film and relax for a couple hours. Lastly itsLEAP YEAR so we get an extra day.. What do you plan to do with it?

“Happy Leap Day. A day where this time last year and this time next year does not apply”

-Anonymous

“There is no way that this winter is ever going to end as long as this groundhog keeps seeing his shadow. I don’t see any other way out. He’s got to be stopped. And I have to stop him”

-Phil (Bill Murray; Groundhog Day)

February happenings and January Recap

January ended up being a very busy month for our office and me personally

-My office provided lunch for the police departments in Haywood County. I had the opportunity to take them to Canton PD

-Meadowbrook Career Day

-My basketball coaching career resumed with my 5 year old daughters first practice and game

-I had my own shirts designed and created

-I got the opportunity to meet the great former “King of the Four Round” boxer Butterbean!

February will bring more as I enter into the “meat” of my daughters basketball season. On an exciting business front my office is partnering with TaylorMade Home Loans. They are able to lend on all homes! From single wides, double wides, stick built it doesn’t matter as long as they meet a certain criteria! I will be in the office a lot this month and would love to have you come by and talk about your real estate needs.

Referrals are always appreciated and I give the referrer a $25 gift card of their choice once we close!

Why List with me?

-First class marketing. If you list with me I will:

Provide Professional Photographs
Drone shots of your property
Virtual tour walkthrough on my personal YouTube channel that has received over 20,000 views this year
Distribution to MLS, and ALL online websites for real estate (zillow, realtor etc)
Advertisement and Marketing on my business facebook page that has 480 followers
Advertisement and Marketing on my companies facebook page that has 1.9k followers
Flyer email blast to over 1300 agents in Haywood and Buncombe county featuring the property
Postcards sent out featuring your property, locally or out of state depending on target market
Constant Communication Start to Finish

– An Award Winning Personal Touch

2020 PAIGE Award

2021 Best of Haywood County Realtor
2022 Marketing Master Award

Haywood County: Nature, Culture, and Adventure

Earnest Money in North Carolina Real Estate

Understanding Due Diligence in NC

Navigating the Real Estate Market- Tips for Success

Finding Joy in Real Estate: A WNC Perspective

February Newsletter

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