If you’re a homeowner in Asheville, it’s becoming a little easier to equip your residence with solar energy, thanks to a brand-new community-based initiative. A coalition of local organizations is launching Solarize Asheville-Buncombe, a group-purchasing solar campaign that makes solar energy and battery storage more affordable to both homeowners and [...]

Mosaic broker and North Asheville resident Megan Shook has many passions, which propel her both professionally and personally. While she works throughout the greater Asheville area, she’s particularly passionate about how the Beaverdam area of North Asheville offers the optimal balance of “city” and “country.” And as an ardent [...]

Located in the Smoky Mountains about 20 minutes west of Asheville sits the picturesque town of Canton, N.C. This Haywood County town offers dining, shopping and sightseeing along its historic Main Street, as well as iconic local hikes and other outdoor adventures. An idyllic, small-town feel coupled with close proximity to the [...]

A second-generation real estate agent with 22 years of experience, Mosaic broker Justin Mitchell knows how to make the most of life in Western North Carolina as an avid cyclist and outdoor enthusiast. Drawing from his adventure-seeking savvy, along with his skill as a seasoned videographer, Mitchell can be trusted to give both buyers and [...]

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, the town of Mars Hill (pop. 2,000) in Madison County wows with its beauty and ease of living. Residents and visitors alike enjoy quick access to all manner of mountain sports and family activities. In addition, Mars Hill is only about 15 miles north of Asheville via I-26, which [...]

Mosaic broker Alyssa Augustine landed in Asheville’s luxury home sector five years ago, growing a reputation as a highly skilled adviser to her clients, and it’s no surprise. With a 20-year background in corporate marketing, communications and IT for a Fortune 500 company, coupled with a deep understanding of high-quality home construction [...]

For most Asheville homeowners, curb appeal begins with beautiful landscaping. But just as important as beautification is the preservation of the natural Western North Carolina ecosystem that surrounds us. With the use of native tree species in yards and gardens, Asheville homeowners can integrate the two goals, to great [...]

Mosaic Realty broker Stephanie Caldwell is that Asheville rarity: a native who has spent her entire life (save a brief stint in Chicago) in the Asheville area. Her years of experience with all things Asheville – first growing up here, then as an investor spearheading several house building and renovation projects, and finally as a real [...]

With so few homes on the market in Asheville, it can be intimidating to plan a move if you need to sell your current home first. Working with Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty’s experienced real estate agents can help ease the transition, ensuring consistent communication and minimal setbacks during the entire [...]

Planning a vacation puts the focus on the destination, but it’s important to also remember what you’re leaving behind: your home. Safely securing your property promises peace of mind so you can fully enjoy your time away. Here are some important pre-travel home-prep tips:

Give the illusion of occupancy – Break-ins are less likely to happen if it looks like someone is home. Leave a few lights on, put lamps or sound systems on timers, or invest in a smart-home system where you can program lights to turn on and off. (These systems can also do things like raise and lower window shades remotely for an added illusion of occupancy.) Motion sensor or programmed lighting on the exterior of your home and in the driveway is also a good idea.

If you can, leave a car in your driveway. Or better yet, ask a neighbor to park there: The activity in your driveway will likely prove a strong deterrent to would-be intruders. Just make sure any vehicles parked there are securely locked, with no valuables left inside.

Lock in your spare-key plan – While you’re away from your home, it might be helpful to have a trusted neighbor or friend at the ready to enter in case of emergency. However, it’s never a good idea to leave spare keys in obvious outdoor locations (under doormats or in potted plants). Rather, give the friend a spare key, or consider storing that key in an exterior lockbox with a security code.

On the topic of locks, it may seem obvious, but make sure all doors and windows are securely locked, even upstairs ones. And don’t forget garages and sheds that may hold valuables.

Deter damage – It’s important to ensure your home will be in the state you left it when you finally return from holiday. Prevent flooding from pipe bursts by insulating those located in vulnerable areas like attics and basements. In temperate climates like Asheville’s, where frozen pipes are less of an issue, it makes more sense to turn off your home’s main water supply valve while you’re away.

Power surges can strike at any time, frying your home’s pricey electronics. Before you leave, disconnect computers, televisions, stereos and other electronic items. Alternately, you can safely leave your electronics plugged into outlets or power strips equipped with surge protectors.

Keep up appearances – If you’ll be gone for an extended period, hire a landscaping service to keep the lawn mowed and trees and bushes trimmed. Avoid an overflowing mailbox by temporarily suspending your postal deliveries. Ask a neighbor to retrieve any packages left on your front porch.

It may be tempting to document your daily travel adventures on social media, but doing so also broadcasts the fact that no one’s home. Because you can never be sure who’ll end up seeing your status, wait until you get back home to post those vacation photos.

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

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