Just like so many we’ve met, we started coming to the Carolinas for the fresh air, fresh water, a change in elevation, vegetation, and as a getaway from extreme temperatures & humidity. Our son and daughter, Cole & Brooke, were babies at the time. We would load them in backpack and frontpack carriers to hike during the day, camp at night, and of course roast a few marshmallows. Me, originally from a suburb northwest of Chicago, and Wes from upstate NY and Marco Island, FL, the Carolinas offered an experience, reminiscent of what we enjoyed as kids, and about half the driving distance. For our kids coming from Marco Island, all the bugs, rocks, and plant life were so different – they had a blast from sunup to sundown, and so did we. We bought our “vacation” home here in 2002 and eventually moved here full-time. Now our kids are grown & out of college as we adapt to the life of empty nesters. They still visit to kick back a bit and share the rural experience.
Everyone we meet has their own unique story to express what they find captivating about this special place. For us, it’s the buzz of a hummingbird whirring by, birds chirping and singing, an occasional dog barking in the distance, kids laughing, boaters cheering on a skier in tow, and the ping of a golf club connecting with a ball in it’s sweet spot. It’s also the sound of gentle breezes rustling through the leaves and the occasional rainstorm rolling in, then slowly fading as it blows through the gorge. Most come for peace and quiet, but it doesn’t take long to realize there is a comforting harmony of sounds embracing you throughout the day & into the night.
There is some good news in the press lately, which keeps us optimistic others will continue to visit and buy here – in addition to the lifestyle and sounds of summer of course! The Canopy Realtor® Association recently reported market-wide, inventory levels in our region were down 36.0 percent, leaving just 1.1 months’ supply for Single Family Homes. Even as Americans adjust their budgets, more buyers are expected to seek out smaller areas that offer a more affordable cost of living. In fact, according to an article on May 4th by Natalie HYPERLINK “https://www.forbes.com/advisor/author/ncampisi/”Campisi of Forbes Advisors as part of a series on the housing market forecast, most housing experts predict the real estate market will remain strong for years to come.
Over the last 180 days in the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock zip codes of 28746 and 28720, 122 residential properties sold, while 23 new listings have come onto the market, just 4 of which are on Lake Lure.
Wes and Cathy Cleary are full-service Realtors® living in Lake Lure. They have invested, rented, bought, and sold real estate in Western North Carolina since 1997. Licensed in NC/SC with Team Cleary Real Estate, Inc. and Agent Group Realty, LLC. TeamClearyWNC@gmail.com; Wes 828-785-2115; 828-808-6790 Cathy; www.TeamCleary.com.
