Situated along the French Broad River against a beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain backdrop is the community of Alexander, N.C. The area’s proximity to outdoor adventure, cultural amenities – Asheville is only 20 minutes south, along NC-251 – and scenic settings makes Alexander the perfect spot for a relaxing homestead.

Exhilarating Western N.C. activities

Residents of this Buncombe County community can enjoy a range of exhilarating activities amid stunning surroundings. Kayaking, tubing and other water sports in the French Broad River are popular pastimes. Alexander’s easily accessible location makes day trips to Pisgah National Forest or the Great Smoky Mountains for nature walks, hiking, camping and mountain biking a breeze.

Homes in Alexander range from comfortable, single-level living to new, contemporary builds to established ranches with lots of acreage to spread out. Plenty of available lots means you can build a dream property to your exact specifications.  

Nearby eclectic mountain communities

Just a quick drive from Alexander is the town of Weaverville, where visitors can enjoy two public parks within its jurisdiction: Lake Louise Park and the Main Street Nature Park. Well-maintained areas prized for passive recreation, the parks offer walking paths lined with flower beds and educational information celebrating Weaverville’s rich heritage. Weaverville also boasts an entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway, miles of local hiking trails, cycling routes, scenic drives, wildlife, and native plants. 

Another nearby community is Marshall, N.C., boasting a quaint Main Street as well as access to a range of outdoor adventures. This idyllic town in Madison County, with easy access to trails along the French Broad River, features a downtown lined with historic buildings, including a century-old courthouse. Main Street features artists’ studios, interesting shops, music and dance venues and galleries. Stroll to Blannahassett Island, just over the river, to enjoy more artists’ studios, as well as picnic areas and fishing.

For more information about real estate in Alexander, or anywhere in Western North Carolina, contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.

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If you’re ready to buy a home in the Asheville area, a little prep work ahead of securing a mortgage will go a long way in making the process smooth and enjoyable. Here are some tips to set you on the path to success.

Credit score check

First off, check your credit, since this is the first thing potential lenders will do when you apply for a loan. Make sure it’s accurate, and that the numbers haven’t been fraudulently tampered with by someone with access to your credit. If you see inaccuracies, accounts that you didn’t open, or other mistakes, now is the time to take immediate steps to stop what could be identity fraud. And if your credit score isn’t where you’d like it, by taking certain measures you can see improvement in six to 12 months. Most mortgage programs require a minimum credit score of between 580 and 620.

Improve debt-to-income ratio

Next, it’s time to improve your debt-to-income ratio, the percent of your monthly income that goes toward repaying debt. This ratio will dictate whether you can get a mortgage loan. To improve your ratio, it’s important to pay off as much debt before applying for a mortgage, including credit cards, car loans, and college loans. 

Get the loan lowdown

Before you jump into shopping for a home, determine how much you can afford (factoring in down payment and closing costs) and how much you will have to borrow, then research your loan program options. Decide how you want to approach your loan, whether it’s finding the plan with the lowest down payment, the lowest monthly mortgage payment, the shortest duration, a fixed rate, or an adjustable rate.

A key step ahead of home buying is getting a pre-approval letter from a lender. You will need to provide the lender with tax returns, paycheck stubs, financial statements and the like, which the lender will review before deciding how much you can afford. 

Find the perfect agent

To make the home-buying process less complicated and intimidating, it’s important to have a trusted, knowledgeable real-estate agent by your side. Mosaic Realty’s community-minded agents approach your individual needs with respect, honesty and integrity, and take great pride in their ability to deliver results for buyers in Western North Carolina. Mosaic’s client-centered approach is integral to finding the perfect home, neighborhood and lifestyle for your unique needs.

For more information about real estate anywhere in Asheville or the Western North Carolina area, contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.

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The farm-to-table movement has developed deep roots in Asheville, thanks to the many local farms in the area, as well as the growing number of local restaurants that have embraced the farm-to-table philosophy. Whether you’re fond of making meals in your own kitchen, or you’re a fan of dining out, there are many ways to savor and support the farm-to-table movement in Asheville.

Connecting Western N.C. communities to farms 

Asheville’s proximity to farm-rich regions in Western North Carolina means the freshest local produce and foods are readily available. Spreading that access to everyone is the goal of a number of food programs focused on edibles sourced from area farms and food makers. If you’d like a convenient way to bring fresh local produce directly from the farm to your kitchen, consider such programs as Mother Earth Produce Delivery, a year-round delivery service of local produce and edibles sourced from area farms and food crafters.  The program partners with local farms and food artisans to bring sustainable vegetables, meats, dairy, eggs, bread and pantry items to Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. https://motherearthfood.com

ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) is another program born from the farm-to-table movement, established to help local farms thrive and link farmers to markets and supporters. ASAP focuses on a number of areas to support its mission, including providing marketing support and training to area farmers; connecting regional chef and foodservice buyers with the farmers who match their needs; spearheading a Local Food Campaign, which includes publishing a local food guide; and running Growing Minds Farm to School Program, which focuses on reconnecting children with where their food comes from. http://asapconnections.org

Farm-to-table at Asheville eateries

If you’d rather have someone else prepare your locally sourced meal, there are plenty of farm-to-table restaurants in the Asheville area to choose from. The neighborhoods of West Asheville, Biltmore Village, and downtown Asheville are brimming with eateries that get their ingredients from local farms. 

If you’d like to go straight to the source, many area farms offer CSA (community-supported agriculture) boxes, available for pickup at weekly farmers’ markets around Asheville. Or consider a drive to one of the many farms that sells their products onsite, either in stores or at stands, guaranteeing the freshest ingredients possible. Farms dot Fairview, Hendersonville and Madison, just to name a few surrounding areas and towns, making it easy and enjoyable to partake of and support the farm-to-table movement in the Asheville area.

For information on real estate in the Asheville area, connect with us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call anytime at 828-707-9556.

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Lake Toxaway, featuring the largest private lake in N.C., is a picturesque community 51 miles southwest of Asheville that boasts quick access to breathtaking waterfalls and miles of hiking trails. The Greystone Inn and the adjacent Lake Toxaway Country Club anchor Lake Toxaway, and offer a spa, gourmet dining, lake cruises, golfing, tennis and water activities. 

Since the early 1900s, people have flocked to Lake Toxaway, drawn to its stream-fed waters and 14 miles of shoreline. Situated between Brevard and Cashiers on U.S. Highway 64, Lake Toxaway is in the heart of the “Land of the Waterfalls,” replete with stunning cascades surrounded by miles of hiking trails. Among popular waterfalls in the area are Toxaway Falls, Upper Whitewater Falls, Rainbow Falls, and the many falls of Panthertown Valley.

An array of lake activities in Lake Toxaway

Water activities on the lake are a popular pastime for visitors and residents alike. Because it is a private lake, access is limited to vacation home renters, Greystone Inn guests, and private owners. Everything from kayaks, paddleboards, canoes and motorboats to tubes and lake toys can be rented for use on the lake. Swimmers can also enjoy the refreshing mountain waters of Lake Toxaway.

The Greystone Inn, built in 1915 as a private estate, became a luxury inn in the 1980s. Today, it features 30 well-appointed rooms, as well as a restaurant, bar and spa, and is a popular destination for visitors to the area. Lake Toxaway Country Club also provides inn guests with access to golf, tennis, croquet and a marina.

Residences in Lake Toxaway include everything from sprawling estates to rambling ranches and cozy cottages. Lots with long-range mountain and lake views provide the perfect location for building your dream home.

Mountain adventure, just minutes away

For a daytrip from Lake Toxaway, consider the Brevard area. Just a 20-minute drive away, this part of Western North Carolina boasts a unique mix of the eclectic and the enchanting: Distinctive boutiques dot downtown streets, while epic outdoor adventures make it one of the most visited natural attractions in the Southeast. Nestled between Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Recreational Forest and Gorges State Park, the area is known as one of the top mountain biking destinations in the U.S.

For more information about real estate in Lake Toxaway, or anywhere in Asheville or the Western North Carolina area, contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.

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As the Asheville area settles into spring, it’s time to turn your yard green – in more ways than one. Eco-friendly tools and strategies for building up a beautiful outdoor space are easy to implement. Here are a few to consider:

Help nature naturally

Try mulching grass clippings back into your lawn as you mow, instead of bagging them for the landfill. Mulched clippings can also be used around flower beds, trees and plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Instead of bagging leaves, you can blow them directly into flower beds, where they will decompose into food for your plants and a natural layer of warmth and protection for new growth.

Skip chemical-laden fertilizer for your garden in favor of compost. You can create an at-home composting system to turn food scraps into free, nutrient-rich nourishment for your yard, or you can subscribe to Asheville-area services like CompostNow, which allows anyone to compost without the maintenance of a compost bin. Members receive bins that they can fill with compostable items; the bins are collected on a weekly basis and returned with earned compost, either to you or to a local community garden of your choosing. (www.compostnow.org)

Water wisely

There are many ways to water smart and still keep your yard happy. Harvesting rainwater via a rain barrel – which connects to your roof gutter’s downspout – cistern or rain chain means you’ll be using much less household water. Another option is to install a smart irrigation system with a sensor, which only waters when needed and can save thousands of gallons a year.

Give gas the boot

Lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers and other yard equipment long depended on gas – but today’s market is filled with electric and battery-powered options that eliminate the noise and air pollution so damaging to our environment. And if you have a small parcel of grass to cut, consider a tried-and-true push mower.

The amazing shrinking lawn

To trim down the time, energy and resources needed to keep your lawn in check, consider replacing it. Ground cover – such as creeping perennials or clover lawns – requires little to no mowing, and can flourish with very little care. You can also replace grass with pavers, stones, pea gravel and the like. 

To learn about real estate in the Asheville area, connect with us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call anytime at 828-707-9556.

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One of the oldest towns in Western North Carolina, Rutherfordton is teeming with eclectic art and interesting shops, not to mention plenty of outdoor recreation. The Thermal Belt Rail Trail runs through the town, connecting it to Ruth, Spindale and Forest City via a 13.5-mile paved path perfect for biking, walking or jogging. A city rich in history, Rutherfordton is home to a number of sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Established in 1787, Rutherfordton (55 miles southeast of Asheville) features rolling vistas against a Blue Ridge backdrop. Homes in Rutherfordton range from historical structures to compact cottages to expansive lots for building your dream property.

image by: Brian Stansbury license

Rutherfordton Boasts Outdoor Recreation in Western N.C.

The Rutherfordton area is an outdoor adventurer’s dream. There are plenty of nearby trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Among the many popular ones are Bearwallow Mountain Trail, Broad River Greenway, Catawba Falls Trail, Chimney Rock State Park and Green River Gamelands. Road cycling is big here, with plenty of country roads to traverse, as well as annual bike tours and the Lake Lure Olympiad bike race. Mountain bikers can enjoy trails at South Mountains State Park and Chimney Rock State Park. Even horseback riding enthusiasts can get in on the action, with several stables and venues for riding.

Downtown Rutherfordton is home to many points of interest: At the Bechtler House, you can learn about a private mint that produced the first gold coin in the nation; KidSenses Children’s Interactive Museum features 20 interactive exhibits as well as the Factory, a hands-on maker space; the Rutherford County Visual Arts Center is home to works by 200 local artists; the 1925 City Hall and Fire Station, which now houses the Firehouse Inn and the Blue Ridge Design studio, is another popular stop.

Day trips from Rutherfordton

Nearby areas to visit include Spindale, featuring an array of restaurants, live music, and performing arts; the popular summertime destination of Lake Lure; and the Tryon International Equestrian Center, with many competitions and free family-centric events.

For more information about real estate in Rutherfordton, or anywhere in Asheville or the Western North Carolina area, contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.

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Nestled in a picturesque valley just 27 miles west of Asheville, Lake Junaluska offers the perfect mix of pristine beauty and thrilling outdoor activities. The lake is anchored by a popular spiritual retreat center, and serves as the ideal spot for water sports. An array of homes dots the lush forests surrounding the lake, serving up stunning views and relaxing settings. 

Lake Junaluska was established as a mountain retreat for the United Methodist Church in the early 1900s. The lake town, part of Haywood County, has a population of around 2,700, but draws thousands of visitors every year to its serene locale. The spiritual retreat’s mission – to “renew the soul, mind, and body” – can also apply to the entire area, thanks to the plethora of scenic settings from which to enjoy all manner of activities, both peaceful and active. 

Enjoy Western N.C. living at its finest

Lake recreation includes canoeing, paddleboarding, kayaking and swimming. (You’ll find canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals, as well as other recreation equipment, at Lake Junaluska Outfitters.) Boat tours of the lake are also available. The lake is stocked with everything from bass to catfish to crappie for fishing (no motorboats allowed). Circling the lake is a mostly flat, 3.5-mile paved trail, perfect for walking, running or biking. There is also an 18-hole golf course with a layout designed for all levels. A daily activity pass affords admission to the lakeside swimming pool, mini golf, tennis, pickleball and shuffleboard.

There are a number of gardens and parks in Lake Junaluska. And for mountain lovers, Lake Junaluska is perfectly positioned for easy access to both the Blue Ridge Parkway and Smoky Mountain National Park. Hiking, mountain biking, waterfall walks and camping are all popular activities that can be experienced just a short drive away.

Lake Junaluska homes against a Blue Ridge backdrop

Many homes in Lake Junaluska are optimally perched to drink in the stunning views. Everything from modern mountain designs to established cottages and condos to rambling ranches are sprinkled throughout the area. There are also many lots available to build your dream home from scratch. Schools in nearby Waynesville serve Lake Junaluska families.

For more information about real estate in Lake Junaluska, or anywhere in the Asheville area, contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.

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Asheville, NC: In response to the war in Ukraine, Asheville resident and Mosaic Realty broker Joseph Ruiz has headed into the conflict zone with a humanitarian aid organization, where he is working in logistics to help facilitate medical supplies and personnel into Ukraine.

"The war in Ukraine is devastating children and families. I can't [...]

With springtime emerging in Asheville, it’s time to focus on prepping your home’s outdoor spaces for maximum warm-weather enjoyment. Here are a few tips for outdoor cleaning, sprucing and setting up for spring.

Reseal exterior wood

Outdoor wood on areas such as decks, fences and railings should be stained and sealed regularly, especially ahead of the heavier use warm weather will bring. Doing so will ensure that the woodwork lasts longer and stays in better condition.

Clear gutters

Removing all of the leaves and other debris that have accumulated in your gutters and downspouts over the winter months is an important early step. Doing so helps to prevent damage from spring rains, protects wood trim from rot, and diverts rain properly so water doesn’t collect around your foundation.

Prep for yard care

Now is the time to sharpen mower blades, check sprinkler systems for leaks, and make sure other yard-care equipment is in working order. If you have perennials planted in your yard, sprinkle fertilizer, spread mulch and cut back dead growth in preparation for new blooms. If you’re looking to spruce up your patio, adding planters or hanging flower baskets is an easy and inexpensive way to welcome spring.

Clean or update outdoor furnishings

If you’ve got patio or deck chairs or couches, give them a good cleaning to remove debris that’s accumulated over the winter months. Toss removable cushion covers in the wash. If you’re looking to update or add outdoor furnishings, look for pieces that are weather proofed: Think aluminum, teak or specialty outdoor synthetics, including fabrics that are UV-protected. Add umbrellas or retractable awnings to create shady spots. 

Get ready to entertain

Warm weather invites backyard gatherings. To create the ideal outdoor entertainment spot, start by adding festive lighting: Consider string lights hung around a patio, or in-ground solar-powered lighting along pathways. Fire pits are easier than ever to install, and even come in smokeless designs. Al fresco dining can be enhanced with an outdoor grilling or cooking system.

For information about real estate in the Asheville area, connect with us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call anytime at 828-707-9556

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The North Carolina Arboretum is featuring “Thanks FLO: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted,” coinciding with the 200th birthday of the “father of landscape architecture.” The indoor portion of the exhibit about the great mind behind both New York’s Central Park and the grounds at Asheville’s Biltmore House wrapped up in [...]