Boone is host to numerous beautiful hikes, waterfalls, and overlooks. Today we are featuring Elk River Falls, an impressive waterfall in Pisgah National Forest. It is a fifty foot waterfall that cascades over a rock cliff and into an oval pool below where swimmers can wade into. This is the perfect spot to go to in the summer for swimming and tanning on the rocks just adjacent to the waterfall. The view couldn't be any better than that!

Getting to Elk River Falls is an easy hike; a short five minute walk will easily get you to the waterfall where you will find a long flat boulder where you can set up camp for the day!

Photo courtesy of https://www.romanticasheville.com/elk_river_falls.htm

New Listing! Lot 13 Chestnut Knob Road, Boone, NC! $68,000!

CONVENIENT LOCATION AND SPECTACULAR VIEWS! LOT 13 HAS IT ALL!!! LOCATED ONLY 1 MILE FROM US-421 and Food Lion! Easy access to ALL PAVED ROADS. Only 5 miles to the BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY, 5 miles to ASU and only 10 miles from APP SKI MOUNTAIN. The views from this lot are breathtaking. Views on 3 sides...Long Range Mountain Views to the North West, Pastoral Views to the North East and South East.

For more information call Theresa DeMarco at 828-773-0840!

We know that home buying can be a confusing process, so being prepared and doing proper planning is very important. In today's blog we will address five common mistakes that people make when buying a new home.

1. Not budgeting for everything: There are so many added costs in addition to the house costs, such as furniture and appliances, DIY projects, moving fees, and DON'T forget, your first mortgage payment!

2. Neglecting your credit score: Your credit score is going to be very important in the home buying process. As a home buyer, you should obtain your credit report ahead of time and fix any errors before sending it out to lenders. Many times credit reports contain errors and it will be crucial for you to find and fix those.

3. Trusting verbal agreements: A home seller can verbablly accept your bid and still give it to someone else with a higher bid. Always make sure you  have signed paperwork!

4. Skipping the home inspection: It is crucial to hire an inspector to take a look around the house and make sure everything looks good. You can't expect the seller to tell you about any problems there may be and their may be issues they aren't even aware of. It is the job of the inspector to examine the foundation and structural features of a house.

5. Sweating the small things: Don't sweat the small things, such as the color of a house or the kitchen layout. Focus on the location and the structure of the house and once you move in, you can change the small things to make your house into your home!

These tips courtesy of the Century21 Real Estate Blog - https://www.century21.com/real-estate-blog/dont-make-these-5-common-home-buying-mistakes/

MerleFest is returning to Wilkesboro, NC for another weekend of music and fun! MerleFest will take place from April 26-April 29 at the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. There will be five new additions this year: The Mavericks, Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn, Mandolin Orange, Alison Brown, and Brandy Clark. There will be over 75 artists performing this year with the full lineup posted on their website, www.MerleFest.org/lineup.

"MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the son of the late American music legend Doc Watson, renowned guitarist Eddy Merle Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of "traditional plus" music, a unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including old-time, classic country, bluegrass, folk and gospel and blues, and expanded to include Americana, classic rock, and many other styles. The festival hosts a diverse mix of artists on its 13 stages during the course of the four-day event. MerleFest has become the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects and other educational needs." - http://wncw.org/post/merlefest-2018-announces-new-additions-lineup-early-bird-tickets-sale-now

Tickets can be purchased online at www.MerleFest.org or you can call at 1-800-343-7857.

Grandfather Mountain is starting their "Dollar Days" tradition again throughout all of April! High Country residents, employees and their guests can visit the park for only $3. Appalachian State University students are also eligible for the discount, they will just need to bring a college ID. All other visitors must bring a valid driver's license or local utility bill as proof of High Country residency.

Take advantage of this deal and experience the return of animal encounter sessions the seasonal reopening of the Fudge Shop, discounted Behind the Scenes Habit Tours and many more naturalist programs later in the month. Make sure to also visit the infamous Mile High Swinging Bridge with 360-degree views from Grandfather Mountain. Image Courtesy of https://www.hikewnc.info/trailheads/grandfather-mountain-state-park/

New listing at 133 Liberty Landing Way, Fleetwood, NC! $439,000!

This traditional home has the location, storage and the features that you want in a home! It is conveniently located next to Boone, Jefferson, and Wilkesboro. It is also less than 1.5 miles from the New River and Railroad Grade Road, a favorite location among locals and visitors alike.The master suite has luxurious features including a walk-in closet with more upgrades and the master bath which includes a granite countertop, large spa shower, and a water closet. Another great feature is the backyard!

Call 828-264-9111 for more information!

Huge congratulations to the Century 21 Mountain Vistas team for ranking #10 of all Century 21 offices in the state of North Carolina! With nearly 60 Century 21 offices in the state, we are so happy to be ranked in the top ten for sales. We know we couldn't do it without our clients and friends, so here is a big THANK YOU for all of your continued support and help. We are humbled.

Congratulations to Ron Kent who is currently ranked #17 for all Century 21 agents in the state of North Carolina! Ron's strong work ethic and drive push him to do the best for his clients and we are sure proud of him! Way to go, Ron!

Butch Phillips is currently ranked #10 for all Century 21 agents in the state of North Carolina for units sold! Wow Butch! We are continually blown away by the goals you reach and set. You are one selling machine and we are so proud of all that you do!