The Puffer Team 2013 Year In Review

Another year is coming to a close, it's amazing how fast the time passes.  2013 has been a great year for The Puffer Team, we hope it has been a great year for you as well.  Here are some highlights both personal and professional we thought would be fun to share.

We were named in a list of top 100 Realtors in the Asheville Board, we were recognized by Real Trends for being a Top Agent (Team) in the country, and we are now Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialists as well.




January 2013

16 Nottingham Dr; Candler, NC - sold for 97% of list price


February 2013

A few members of The Puffer Team traveled to Dallas, TX for our annual Keller Williams convention (also known as Family Reunion); there we were recognized for being the 13th top team in the Carolinas Region.  This year the whole team is traveling together and we will be in Phoenix, AZ.

This month we also gained a new team member, Wendy Campbell.




March 2013

20 Whitlow Dr; Leicester, NC  - a repeat client whose home we sold for full price and gave her the ability to move out of state to be closer to family.

Brad Puffer and family traveled to Israel for the trip of a lifetime.





May 2013

416 Webb Cove Rd; Asheville, NC - a short sale we closed that helped a homeowner avoid foreclosure.

10 Forest Ridge Ct; Arden, NC - sold in just over a week

The Puffer Team along with Keller Williams Associates everywhere, participated in RED Day; a day where we participate in various community service activities.

June 2013

1 Ashwood Dr; Asheville, NC  28803 - sold at 99% of list price after only three days on the market, AND we were also able to help our seller purchase another Asheville area home.

27 Dixon Terrace; Candler, NC  - sold at full price in just 2 weeks.

305 Charlotte Hwy; Asheville, NC - sold in 1 week

16 Lakeway Circle; Weaverville, NC (Reems Creek Golf Community) - sold at 96% of list price in less than 3 weeks.

July 2013

The Puffer Team attended self defense training with Erick Jordan at Ichiban MMA; it was quite the team building experience.  At the end of the day we met downtown and took the local Lazoom Comedy Tour through Asheville.




August 2013

17 Trinity Chapel Rd; Asheville, NC  28805 - sold at 99% of list price and closed less than 1 week after going under contract.

47 Evelake Dr; Asheville, NC - sold at above full price in under 2 weeks.

22 Eastview Circle; Asheville, NC - another past client who got full price in just 3 days.


October 2013

112 Leisure Mountain; Asheville, NC  - helped another past client get their home sold quick, under contract in 8 days and closed in less than 2 weeks.

41 Autumn Leaf Drive; Fletcher, NC - The Puffer Team built a spec house and sold it before it went on the market.

30 Wilson Creek Drive; Asheville, NC - sold for full price in less than 2 weeks.

89 McCurry Rd; Weaverville, NC - another past client, sold in 3 days at over full price.

Our Office Manager Shannon Paris and Buyer Specialist Lynn Bolser both took family vacations to Disney with their families at the end of October.

November 2013

35 Pine Ridge Trail; Arden, NC  - sold for 98% of list price

18 Azure Sage Way; Asheville, NC - sold for 97% of list price and we also helped our seller buy land to build his next home.

December 2013

15 Park Avenue; Asheville, NC - sold for full price after only 1 day on the market.

32 Trafalgar Circle; Asheville, NC - after being on and off the market for 2 years with different agencies, we were able to help these sellers get full price in 16 days AND help them purchase their next home.

209 Laurel Ridge Rd; Asheville, NC - sold at 99% of list price to sellers who already moved out of state.

The Puffer Team attended a charity fundraiser called The Fashion Victim's Ball, hosted by our Keller Williams Professionals Asheville office, as always we had a blast!  The event raised over $28,000 that will be distributed to local charities.

We've had a fun and successful year and we can't wait to see what 2014 holds.  If you're looking to buy or sell in the new year, give us a call, 828-771-2300 or check us out online, www.homefinderasheville.com.

Lindal Cedar Home, Convenient to Downtown Weaverville

9 Fairway View Drive; Weaverville, NC  28787

Are you looking for something close to amenities?  Check out this "like new" Lindal Cedar home in Fairway View Estates, a popular Weaverville golf course community just minutes to shopping & dining in town. Inside you will find a light & bright open floorplan, custom granite kitchen, exposed beam ceilings, & a vaulted main level master suite w/double pedestal sinks, jet tub & large walk-in closets; there is also a family room & wet bar in the basement, & a large deck in the back great for entertaining.

Virtual Tour

Call The Puffer Team to schedule a showing, 828-771-2300; you can also request an appointment through out website, www.homefinderasheville.com.

Click here for more information about the town of Weaverville.

See also....

Homes For Sale -- Weaverville

Homes For Sale -- North Asheville

Inspirational Food For Thought (Video) #gratitude

We are coming off of two major holidays that remind us to be grateful, but gratitude is something we should focus on all year. Do you express gratitude? Have you ever thought about being grateful for yourself?

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in pleasing others we forget to take time for ourselves. Here is a little dose of inspiration, courtesy of the Soul Pancake YouTube channel.  Try writing yourself a love letter, be grateful for you. 



An Energy Efficient Home Is A Happy One

Did you know that making your home energy efficient can increase its value?

According to one study, making no cost/low cost changes can boost your home's value $18,000. Why not implement some of the following suggestions to make your home more energy efficient?
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1. Lower the thermostat on your water heater.
If your hot tap water is too hot to touch, lower the temperature a few degrees.
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2. Check for air leaking around doors.
A lot of the air you pay to heat or cool escapes through unsealed doors. Install or replace worn weather stripping. Replace broken or missing storm doors.
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3. Close the air vents in rooms not in use.
For example, close the vents and shut the door to an unused guest room.
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4. Keep heat producers far from your thermostat in summer.
Floor lamps and televisions can significantly raise the temperature in the area near a thermostat, turning on your air conditioner too often.
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5. Clean your furnace and air conditioner filters.
Replace existing dirty air conditioner or furnace filters. During heavy use periods, replacement is recommended every 30 days.
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6. Operate large appliances during low-use periods in summer.
Use your washer and dryer and other heat-producers early in the morning or late at night. Use the air-dry method on your dishwasher to save energy.

7. Request an energy audit.
Contact your local utility company to request a free energy audit. Most electric and gas companies will check for proper insulation, find cracks in the eaves or roof that could leak energy, and make recommendations for improvements. Some electric companies offer low-cost financing for such improvements.
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8. Replace existing insulation.
A proper barrier keeps heat and cold from penetrating your home's exterior and provides for even temperatures between rooms. The EPA recently reported that proper ceiling insulation may reduce electric bills 20%.
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9. Replace existing appliances.
If money is no object, replace old appliances with Energy Star appliances, specifically created to optimize energy consumption. If your budget limits you to replacing one appliance, buy a new refrigerator; a new model could knock off 25% of your electric bill.
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10. Buy new light bulbs.
Replace incandescent bulbs with fluorescent.
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11. Contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regarding EEM Mortgages. EEMs provide benefits to borrowers purchasing a home that is energy efficient, or can be made efficient with improvements.

If you need contractors to help you made any of these upgrades/repairs, give The Puffer Team a call, 828-771-2300.

When you're ready to know the value of your home, check out our free online valuation tool here.



Copyright 2013 Keller Williams® Realty, Inc. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. 

What's Your Score?

Are you starting the pre-approval process for a home loan?  The first and most important thing to find out is what your score is.

Credit card companies and lenders rely on credit scores, which determine someone's chances to borrow money - and how favorable the terms will be. Scores range from 200 to above 800. Scores below 620 are considered risky; 720 and over are excellent.
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There are five categories of scoring: payment history (35%); amount owed (30%); length of credit history (15%); new credit (10%); and types of credit (10%). Lenders receive your score and "reason codes," which are the keys to improving your score.

To improve your score:
Pay your bills on time. Reduce outstanding debt. Build up your savings. Don't fall for illegal schemes that help create a new credit identity.

Check your own score yearly by ordering reports from the three major credit scoring companies: Equifax (www.equifax.com), Experian (www.experian.com), and TransUnion (www.tuc.com).
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Notify the credit bureau of inaccuracies, along with copies of documents that dispute incorrect entries. Close accounts not in use. Request that late payments older than seven years be removed. Verify and update accounts and account numbers. Verify your address and Social Security number.

If you need a recommendation for a lender or are interested in talking to one of our Buyer Specialists about the home buying process, call The Puffer Team today, 828-771-2300.  Be sure to also check us out online, www.homefinder.asheville.com.

Copyright 2013 Keller Williams® Realty, Inc. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Featured Home For Sale: 4 Gollum Drive; Fairview, NC 28730

Are you looking for a home in Fairview, NC?

Check out this immaculately maintained, move-in ready, single level home in a quiet Fairview subdivision, just minutes to downtown Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Features include a spacious open floor plan with a gas log fireplace in the living area, a large kitchen with breakfast area and large pantry, a great front covered deck overlooking the beautifully terraced landscaping, a double garage, and so much more.

Find more information about this home here!

Would you like more information about Fairview?  Click here!

Virtual Tour:

Contact us today to see this home or others just like it in the Fairview, NC area, we can be reached at 828-771-2300 or via our website: www.homefinderasheville.com.

Want to know the current value of your home?  Click here.


See also: Homes For Sale --Fairview

Happy Veterans Day

To all who have served our country and continue to do so, we salute you.

“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” —Elmer Davis

 

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The Puffer Team, Keller Williams Professionals, 828-771-2300, www.homefinderasheville.com

Buncombe County Total Market Overview

The Puffer Team, Keller Williams Professionals, 828-771-2300, www.homefinderasheville.com

Featured Home For Sale: 423 Purple Finch; Arden, NC

Are you looking for a home in Arden, NC?

 

Immaculate executive home in an established neighborhood, situated on a pvt lot on a cul-de-sac. Inside you will find cathedral ceilings, hdwds throughout most of the living areas, a granite/stainless kitch, a stacked stone peninsula FP, formal dining area & separate breakfast room, spacious master suite, sunroom, tons of living space in the bsmt, & so much more. Enjoy entertaining on the back deck & taking in sounds of the creek...welcome home.

Find more information about this home here!

Would you like more information about Arden?  Click here!

Virtual Tour:

Contact us today to see this home or others just like it in the Fairview, NC area, we can be reached at 828-771-2300 or via our website: www.homefinderasheville.com.

Want to know the current value of your home?  Click here.


See also: Homes For Sale -- Arden

Keeping Your Home Safe

We are coming up on holiday season, where there is potentially a lot of time spent away from home.  Here are some great tips for keeping your home save courtesy of American Home Shield.

Keep a low profile.

Is your flat-screen TV visible through a window from the street? Do you have an expensive car parked in your driveway? To a burglar, those are signs that your home might offer a lucrative haul. Keep expensive items concealed, and don’t advertise large purchases by leaving boxes at the curb. 

Maintain visibility.

Tall shrubs and privacy fences provide burglars with cover so your neighbors won’t see them breaking in. Keep windows and doors visible to deter burglars. Install motion-activated floodlights around your home to draw attention if someone approaches after dark.

Lock upstairs windows, and don’t keep ladders outside.

People often forget to lock upstairs windows—and burglars know it. Make sure all your windows are locked when you’re not home, and keep your ladders in a locked garage or shed so a burglar can’t use them to access upstairs windows.

Make it look like you’re home.

Unoccupied houses are prime targets. Use timers on lights, televisions and radios to create the appearance of activity. Hire landscapers if you’ll be out of town for an extended period so your home looks well cared for. If a burglar thinks someone is home, they’re more likely to skip your house.

Secure doors and windows.

Burglars look for weak doors with old hardware that are easy to kick in. If your doors aren’t secure, replace the knobs, locks and hardware. Use long screws that help resist kick-ins, and consider adding dead bolt. If you have a doggie door, secure it with a lock or just seal it up.

American Home Shield is providing the information for general guidance only. Due to the general nature of the property maintenance and improvement advice in this material, neither American Home Shield Corporation, nor its licensed subsidiaries assumes any responsibility for any loss or damage which may be suffered by the use of this information.

Halloween Safety Tips for Trick or Treating

(source)

Kids look forward to Halloween for many reasons. They like the dressing up in costumes but the mostly they like it for the candy and treats! Who wouldn't? Even some adults still like to go our trick or treating. It makes them feel young and happy again. While this section sticks mainly to guidelines for kids, they are just as useful for adults.

Some parents like to take first dibs on some of the candy that the kids have picked up during the night. It's their reward for taking them around from house to house! We suggest that you watch the candy intake when you all get home, too much at one time can lead to stomach aches and indigestion. That includes mom and dad as well!

Make your child's Halloween a memorable holiday and they'll have good memories that last a lifetime! If you are taking your kids out for the night, dress up as well. Mom and dad should get into Halloween as much as the kids do!

Trick or Treating should be one of the great adventures of Halloween for kids! They can get dressed in scary costumes and go door to door, begging "Tricks or Treats!" from neighbors or at the local mall. Lots of small towns have a Halloween Safe Night at the community center or school so kids can Trick-or-Treat safely but going door to door is the stuff of childhood memories! It should be a fun time, without trouble and pain, so following some easy tips can keep your child safe every Halloween.

	Children should always go out trick or treating accompanied by a responsible adult. If you have a group of kids going, the parents should choose two or three of them to go along and keep an eye on things.
	Some towns set a curfew for trick or treating which makes it easier for townsfolk to know who's coming to their door. Make sure and stick to the curfew times and stick to subdivisions and areas with a lot of homes so your kids can get in as much trick or treating as possible in a few hours time.
	Plan a safe route so parents know where their older kids will be at all times. Set a time for their return home. Make sure that your child is old enough and responsible enough to go out by themselves. Make sure that they have a cell phone.
	Let your children know not to cut through back alleys and fields if they are out alone. Make sure they know to stay in populated areas and not to go off the beaten track. Let them know to stay in well lighted areas with lots of people around. Explain to them why it can be dangerous for kids not to do this. If they are going out alone, they are old enough to know what can happen to them in a bad situation and how to stop it from happening.
	Instruct your children not to eat any treats until they bring them home to be examined by you. This way you can check for any problem candy and get the pick of the best stuff!
	Instruct your child to never go into the home of a stranger or get into their car. Explain why this is not a good idea and what to do if someone approaches them and tries to talk to them.
	Make sure your child carries a flashlight, glow stick or has reflective tape on their costume to make them more visible to cars.
	Let them know that they should stay together as a group if going out to Trick or Treat without an adult.  -----  The Puffer Team * Keller Williams Professionals * (828)771-2300 * www.homefinderasheville.com

Featured Home For Sale: 263 Crystal Falls; Fairview, NC

Are you looking for a home in Fairview, NC?

Live off the grid! Panoramic mtn views of Pisgah/Mt Mitchell & all the way to the Smokies. This home has tons of living space & upgraded features such as granite countertops, cherry cabinets, tiled bathrooms, oak hardwoods, & woodwork throughout... also 3 screened-in porches & wraparound deck. Perfect mountain getaway or year round retreat. Enjoy having a level yard, established garden, sauna & sounds of rain on the metal roof. Portion of PIN

Find more information about this home here!

Would you like more information about Fairview?  Click here!



Virtual Tour:

Contact us today to see this home or others just like it in the Fairview, NC area, we can be reached at 828-771-2300 or via our website: www.homefinderasheville.com. 

Want to know the current value of your home?  Click here.


See also: Homes For Sale --Fairview

Seasonal Tips for a Great Looking Property This Fall

Summer may be over but there are still some great opportunities for sprucing up your home's curb appeal; even if the leaves are starting to fall.  Here are some great tips to consider. 

Seasonal Tips for a Great Looking Property This Fall



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The Puffer Team, Keller Williams Professionals, 828-771-2300, www.homefinderasheville.com

Get your home's value here.

Buying A Home: Practical Considerations

Buying a home is an important decision that can make an enormous difference in your lifestyle. It is also the biggest financial transaction you may make. There are some specific things to consider about a home to buy.
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• Be realistic: There are no perfect homes. Decide what is important to you, and make sure you find a home that has the features you require. Be prepared to compromise on some of the items on your wish list.
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• Decide on a price: Get pre-approved for a loan, not just prequalified.  Consider not only the amount of the
loan the lender will allow, but also what you feel comfortable spending every month. Take an honest look at
your budget.

 

• Choose carefully: Buying a home is much more permanent than renting.  Purchase a home that you are prepared to keep for a while. Select a home that will be reasonable to maintain, in both utilities and/or repairs.
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• Build up to your dream home: Most people nowadays buy more than one home in their lifetime. The average turnaround time is seven years. Buy a home you can afford today. Start to build equity, and then you can trade up or even build your dream home.

Are you ready to begin the home buying process?  Call The Puffer Team today to get started, 828-771-2300, you can also search for homes online, www.homefinderasheville.com.

Do you have to sell your home before you buy?  Click here for a free home valuation.

Asheville Area Homes For Sale, Listed by The Puffer Team

Are you looking to buy an Asheville area home?  We've just listed a few more properties that are worth checking out.

125 Terrace Drive; Weaverville, NC  28787

Immaculate home in a convenient Weaverville location, just a couple of minutes to downtown restaurants and shopping, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the interstate. Inside you will find a spacious floorplan with a main level living room and family room in the basement, a deck off of the master bedroom, a brick wood burning fireplace, and so much more. This home is private yet convenient, the best of both worlds.

76 Driftstone Circle; Arden, NC  28704

Two story traditional in a convenient south location close to Biltmore Park shopping/dining, I-26, and minutes to the Biltmore Estate and Blue Ridge Parkway. This home features 5BR/4.5BA, an open floorplan with rich hardwoods, a cozy gas log fireplace, built-ins, a granite/stainless eat-in kitchen, a vaulted master suite and an in-law suite in the basement with a kitchenette...tons of living space!

32 Trafalgar Circle; Asheville, NC  28805

Tudor style condo in a desirable East location less than 5 minutes to downtown Asheville, shopping, dining and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Inside you will find a light and bright open floorplan with 9ft cathedral ceilings, hardwoods, a spacious kitchen with breakfast bar, crown molding, and a main level master bedroom. Immaculate, convenient, and move-in ready, what more could you want?

Are you interested in viewing one of these fantastic homes?  Call The Puffer Team today, 828-771-2300.  Be sure to also visit our website, www.homefinderasheville.com.

Have a home to sell?  Get your free home valuation here in under 60 seconds!

 

Buncombe County Total Market Overview

The Puffer Team, Keller Williams Professionals, 828-771-2300, www.homefinderasheville.com

For a home valuation on a specific property, click here.

This Month In Real Estate - October 2013 Edition

via kw.com

"In August the seasonally adjusted annual rate of home sales jumped to the highest pace since February 2007, as many buyers made the effort to lock in rates before they rise any further. While rates have ticked down due to the Federal Reserve's announcement that it would not taper its unconventional asset purchases in September, rates are still likely to slowly rise through the end of the year. Prospective buyers should take advantage of what is still a historically high level of affordability in the housing market before it diminishes. With inventory remaining tight in markets across the country, potential home sellers are still well- positioned to take advantage of the many buyers looking for opportunities and 18 months of year-over-year price increases."

Have a home to sell?  Call us today, we'll be happy to give you a no obligation market analysis, 828-771-2300; if you're in the market to buy, we can help you with that as well.

Click here to see what your Asheville area home is worth.

Click here to search for Asheville area homes for sale.

Two Candler, NC Listings To Consider

New on the market, two great homes in Candler, NC, both less than 15 minutes to Asheville, NC with quick access to I-40.

16 Sedgefield Drive; Candler, NC  28715

Immaculate solid brick home in a private neighborhood in convenient location with quick access to I-40. Inside you will find low maintenance floors, natural light throughout, an eat-in kitchen along with formal dining area, gas log fireplaces up and downstairs, and a family room and bonus room in the basement. There is also an oversized double garage with tons of room for storage.

 Virtual Tour

 

21 Tony Candler Ct; Candler, NC  28715 

Immaculate home in a convenient west location with quick access to I-40. This home features lush landscaping, a covered front porch, a light and bright open floorplan with vaulted ceilings, an eat-in kitchen and formal dining room, a spacious master suite with garden tub and a family/rec room in the basement. Come see for yourself all that this home has to offer.

Virtual Tour

Are you interested in seeing one of these homes or others just like it in the Candler area?  Call The Puffer Team today, 828-771-2300, or visit our website, www.homefinderasheville.com.

 

Vacation or Live Full Time in Barnardsville, NC

Great listing in Barnardsville, just reduced to $150,000!

91 Dock Branch Road; Barnardsville, NC  28709

(click address for more information)

Virtual Tour

 

One-of-a-kind charming cottage in a quiet country setting. Inside you will discover a light and bright efficient floorplan, open kitchen with breakfast bar, handcrafted cabinetry, and tons of unique finishes throughout. The large level yard is immaculately landscaped, has a stone patio and two outbuildings, great for storage or workshops. Also includes PIN: 9776-11-6525, washer/dryer & TV are negotiable. 

Convenient to Navitat Canopy Adventures,  downtown Weaverville, 

and 20 minutes to downtown Asheville.

Click here for more information about Barnardsville.

See also:  Homes For Sale -- Barnardsville

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The Puffer Team, Keller Williams Professionals, 828-771-2300, www.homefinderasheville.com

Featured Home For Sale: 118 College Circle; Swannanoa, NC 28778

Are you looking for a home in Swannanoa, NC?

Check out this solid brick home on 5 pristine acres with immaculate landscaping and mountain views. Inside you will find hardwoods, warm and inviting living areas, large windows offering tons of natural light, an energy efficient geothermal heating and cooling system, bonus space in the basement, and so much more. Also includes PINs 9678-78-2923, 9678-79-3105, & 9678-69-9102.

Find more information about this home here!

Would you like more information about Swannanoa?  Click here!



Virtual Tour:

Contact us today to see this home or others just like it in the Swannanoa, NC area, we can be reached at 828-771-2300 or via our website: www.homefinderasheville.com.


See also: Homes For Sale -- Swannanoa

How to Get Rid of Stuff and Declutter Your Life

We're all guilty of it, hanging onto "things".  Below is a great article on how to declutter and simplify your life.

via http://members.houselogic.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-stuff/preview/

By: Deirdre Sullivan

 

Published: November 13, 2012

You can get a warm, fuzzy feeling and make a few bucks by responsibly ditching all the excess stuff you 

accumulate.

Before you cast off, sort out

Designate an area in the home — preferably near an exit -- for the stuff you don’t want to forget to take out the door with you. What we really liked best about this video is that she includes tips for keeping your downsizing efforts on track.

Hazardous household materials

Sure, we all know where to recycle stuff like soda cans and water bottles, but what about dicey items like medications, paint thinners, or asbestos?

Earth911.com, along with its free app iRecycle, is one of the best sources for finding acceptance centers that handle household hazardous waste. Just enter the type of junk you need to unload, like compact fluorescent light bulbs (did you know they have traces of mercury?), along with your ZIP code, and it provides the nearest recycling center to you.

Old technology

If you want to recycle appliances, cameras, computers, and TVs, Best Buy Recycle will take them, no matter where you bought them originally. The retailer charges $100 to pick up old appliances like TVs if you’re not also having a new Best Buy item delivered to you. It says it destroys CPUs to protect your data privacy. And the recycled bits and pieces become raw materials manufacturers can use to make everything from appliances to park benches.

New-ish technology

If you want to sell your current smartphone or Mac gadget quickly, Gazelle.com will give you an instant estimate and a free shipping label. Plus, you can take comfort knowing that Gazelle believes in reusing products first before trying to recycle them.

FYI, while the company does protect your privacy by destroying SIM cards and erasing personal data found on devices they receive, Gazelle recommends you remove your SIM card and delete any personal information on your device before sending it in.

Junk mail

The best way to get rid of junk mail from accumulating at home is to stop it from being delivered in the first place. By creating a free account at Catalogchoice.org, you can banish catalogs and assorted marketing items from your home forever. Plus, their MailStop Browser extension for Firefox lets you opt out of mailing lists in real time when you shop online.

Lastly, if you’re willing to pay $35 a year, CatalogChoice will also prevent data brokers from selling your info to other direct marketers.

Kids' stuff

We all know how quickly kids outgrow their stuff. Once Upon a Child buys gently used clothing, toys, and baby gear. It won’t accept items that have been recalled or don’t meet their safety standards. To find a store location near you so you can swap your items for cash or trade for things your kid currently needs.

Books

Discover Books matches second-hand books with people who want them. It uses a proprietary software system to try to find a new owner for your old reads through an online retailer, or tries to donate it to an organization that supports literacy. Plus, if Discover Books can’t find a book a new home, it's sent to a recycling center to begin a fresh life as something else.

Places that buy books outright other than textbooks are becoming increasingly rare. Cash 4 Books pays you for books it wants, plus covers the cost of shipping to their distribution center. Just go to their site and type in the ISBN numbers of the books you plan to sell. Check out the video here to see how this process works.

FYI, if you really want to cut down on your carbon footprint, try donating your books to local libraries, schools, and hospitals. Or build your own free library in your front yard and let passersby help themselves.

Household linens, cleaning supplies, and old cars

If you have old towels, blankets, heating pads, cleaning supplies, and even a car you need to get rid of, consider donating to a local animal shelter like the ASPCA. Every shelter has different needs, from canned dog food to office supplies. But the items we listed are often animal rescue organizations’ top need. To find a local shelter near you, go to the ASPCA site.

Additional ways to part with your stuff

Donate, trade, or sell: Krrb.com is an alterative to sites like eBay, Craigslist, and Freecycle. Krrb makes it fairly simple to buy, sell, rent, trade, or even give your stuff away. Plus, the site offers a republish function that reposts your listings from Etsy, Craigslist, or eBay to Krrb with one click. They also have an iPhone app so you can find stuff for sale right in your neighborhood:


Krrbin' On The Go - Our Editors Take A Spin On The Krrb iPhone App from Krrb on Vimeo.
Charity thrift shop locator: TheThriftShopper.com makes it a cinch to find charity thrift stores in your area by entering your ZIP code. Plus, many of the listings include the shop’s website, so you can learn more about each organization before deciding where to donate.

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Need someone to help you get rid of stuff and declutter?  We know professionals that can help you take the headache out of the process; call The Puffer Team today, 828-771-2300.

Asheville, NC - A Foodie's Paradise

Asheville is an eclectic town that has a lot to offer, including the Biltmore Estate, the Omni Grove Park Inn, the downtown scene, outdoor adventures, etc.  One of the biggest things Asheville is known for, however, is it's food scene.

The Food & Wine Festival was here a couple of weeks ago.

"Launched in 2009, the Asheville Wine & Food Festival celebrates all that’s worth savoring in the mountains. This year’s festival, August 22-24, 2013 and presented by EDISON at The Grove Park Inn, offers four signature events in downtown Asheville full of culinary panache."

Currently the WNC Mountain State Fair is in town through 9/15, you can find all kinds of fried goodness there.  

The Blind Pig Supper Club is a great ongoing fundraising event which offers a lot of foodie options as well.

"The Blind Pig Supper Club was created to bring you closer to Asheville’s array of incredible talent. From chefs to farmers to foragers to musical and visual artists and dancers, Blind Pig dinners bring together the arts of our community that is truly one of a kind and humbling. Our cuisine is most often always local or regional, truly organic, unique and sometimes bizarre but always delicious. A dinner with us is an experiment in gastronomy. You should expect the unexpected and our one promise to you is that you will telling everyone about what you experienced on your plate.

Blind Pig supports, both monetarily and subjectively, a host of local and very important charities. We are a fundraiser raising awareness of our charity through what we do. We believe in absolute creativity, and we allow our featured chefs, often times collaborating with each other, to create a one of a kind menu and experience. As a diner, you will find experimentation and creativity with new dishes, food items and ingredients. Furthermore, we believe food is meant to be respected. We believe that local flavor has all to do with a vegetable picked hours prior to your meal and never refrigerated. We want you connect with the chefs that prepared your meal, the farmer that grew it and all the people that it took to make your dining experience wonderful."

September 14, 2013 - September 23, 2013 Biltmore Village is offering a Restaurant Week with various restaurants offering fixed price menus.

Ongoing are Asheville Food Tours, and when in doubt, just check out a local favorite.  We have a list of places worth checking out on our Pinterest page, which you can see here, and be sure to check out the latest culinary calendar here.

So when you're out and about in Asheville, where is your favorite place to go?

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The Puffer Team, Keller Williams Professionals, 828-771-2300, www.homefinderasheville.com

This Month In Real Estate - September 2013 Edition

via www.kw.com

"The annual rate of home sales rose to the highest level since 2009 in July, the jump likely boosted by formerly reluctant buyers being pushed off the sidelines by the anticipation of rising mortgage rates. As speculation continues on the date and extent of the Federal Reserve's reduction in its purchases of unconventional assets, mortgage rates have already begun to rise and are unlikely to return to the historic lows witnessed early in the year. With rates on the move, prospective buyers would do well to take advantage of low rates while home affordability remains at historically high levels. Prices moderated slightly in July from their peak in June, likely due to seasonal variation, but maintained high year-over-year growth rates. Sellers are still well-positioned in the national market with inventory still relatively tight in many areas."

Have a home to sell?  Call us today, we'll be happy to give you a no obligation market analysis, 828-771-2300; if you're in the market to buy, we can help you with that as well.

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The Puffer Team, Keller Williams Professionals, www.homefinderasheville.com

Asheville Area Homes For Sale: $500K - $600K

Are you in the market for an executive home in the Asheville area?  Our team has some fantastic properties that would be worth considering, here are just a couple that we have to offer:

1 Clearbrook Crossing; Asheville, NC  28803

Spacious contemporary home in a desirable south location w/a light and bright open floorplan, gleaming hardwoods, a gourmet kitchen complete with 2 Dacor convection ovens and a gas cooktop, master bedrooms on the main and second levels, bonus space in the basement, an office, hobby room, work out room, main level laundry, and so much more. Enjoy relaxing and entertaining on the back deck, the privacy of almost 2 acres, small stream and firepit.

423 Purple Finch Ct; Arden, NC  28704

Immaculate executive home in an established neighborhood, situated on a pvt lot on a cul-de-sac. Inside you will find cathedral ceilings, hardwoods throughout most of the living areas, a granite/stainless kitchen, a stacked stone peninsula fireplace, formal dining area & separate breakfast room, spacious master suite, sunroom, tons of living space in the basement, & so much more. Enjoy entertaining on the back deck & taking in sounds of the creek...welcome home.

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Both of these home are convenient to Biltmore Park Town Square, Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway, and less than 20 minutes to downtown Asheville.  Call us today to schedule a showing, 828-771-2300, or visit our website, www.homefinderasheville.com.