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Tips to Maintain Your Home this Fall!

Whether you’re selling your home or just want to keep up its appearance, take note of these helpful tips to maintaining your home- they will come in handy!

 

Seal Outdoor Surfaces

Sprucing up the outside of your home with this little step will keep your home looking brand new and top notch. The harsh cold temperatures of fall and winter in the High Country can cause your paint to peel. This will allow moisture to penetrate and rot wood in time. Sealing up this extra layer is like giving your home a nice fuzzy coat to prepare it for the cold days ahead.

You can always call in a professional to do this for you and we know plenty that can help you (View our recommended Client Services here)! Though this simple DIY can save some money!

Paint brushing using sealer on wood

 

The first step is to clean the surface, making sure to get all the built-up gunk and nastiness off.

Next, you want to sand down the surface with 80 grit sandpaper to prepare it for the (optional) stain and sealant.

                      ***Make sure to wait 48 hours after cleaning the surface to sand

 Apply stain and sealant according to directions for the specific brand you chose and you’re protected for the winter!

 

Store Yard Furniture

It’s all about protecting your property from the elements! Even if you’ve got outdoor furniture, it’s always a great idea to store it away to guarantee longevity and remove the threat of damages from bad weather. By storing away outdoor furniture you  also make sure they will look great next spring!

Maintain Your home by raking the leaves in your yard

 

“Fall Cleaning”

Don’t just rely on the one big cleaning for the year, the infamous ‘spring cleaning’! Not only will it make it easier on you when spring cleaning season comes around, but it will maintain you home longer and with less clutter.

One of the first things I recommend doing is cleaning your windows. Yes… inside and out. This will get all the nasty built-up residue off your windows and allow for your fall window displays to be more visible! Deep cleaning the  window screens will eliminate the gross stuff that accumulates there too.

As far as cleaning outside goes… rake those leaves! There’s no use in letting them accumulate and take away from the beauty your home has to offer. Remove them from your driveway with a broom and off of any landscaping you have will create a more maintained atmosphere. There will still be plenty of leaves surrounding your home to contrast, but you don’t want them to make your home blend in as a type of camouflage!

Gutter, gutters, gutters… Clean those suckers out! The leaves, pine needles, and much more accumulates here, especially in the fall. Not only will cleaning this save you from a leaky roof, it will look much nicer from afar.

Feed and Seed Your Lawn!  “After a long, hot summer, your lawn could probably use a bit of extra TLC, and seeding is proven to be the most effective way to repair damage.” -Brian Raehl (General Manager of Agronomic Lawn Management in Virginia Beach, VA.) By seeding your lawn before the first frost, you can allow seeds to begin taking root in the soil to fast track spring growth!

 

By following these steps, you are making sure your property stands against the elements and will be ready to greet Spring 2018! Stay tuned for more helpful tips on property maintenance & home decor trends! Vincent Properties is not only passionate about selling property but also helping you make the High Country your home!

 

 

DISCLAIMER: the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author’s employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.

VP HALLOWEEN! Tricks & Treats!

Halloween 2017 was a fun time for kids and adults alike! The Vincent Properties gang enjoyed celebrating with their families at Trunk o Treat and fall festivals held around town. Check out the fun costumes Vincent Properties Agents/Staff and their families put together to celebrate the occasion!

 

 

 

 

Melissa Boone with her husband Adam, and their son Lincoln dressed up as Star Wars characters for Halloween.

Princess Leia and Obi Wan taking their little Ewok out for his first Halloween!

 

Miss. Minnie Lancaster!

The McDaniel Vampire gang hit the streets and (to their parents joy) brought home TONS of candy!

 

Uh oh! Cheer Bear and Lucky Bear Care Bears have become Zombies! Watch out!

 

 

DISCLAIMER: the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author’s employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.

Meet the Newest Vincent!

Meet Moses Vincent, the newest ( & cutest) member to the Vincent Family!

Moses was born in Germany before he hopped on a plane to live with Jay and Lynn Vincent in his forever home!

Coming from a world class bloodline, Moses is already a big puppy with bigger floppy ears that will eventually “stand up” as he gets older. Moses likes playing with Lexi and Finn, but loves visiting the Vincent Properties office as often as he can!

Hopefully the next time you stop by the office, you can see Moses- he loves to make new friends!

Jay Vincent and his German Shepherd Puppy Moses

If you are looking for a beautiful German Shepherd to join

your family, we highly recommend East Point German Shepherds of South Carolina!

 

 

DISCLAIMER: the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author’s employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.

Appalachian State Homecoming 2017

The homecoming football game is the event of the season for every football town. For the High Country, the homecoming football game for Appalachian State University is the epitome of the name: Coming Home. It serves as an annual  “welcome back” to the roots of (a now nostalgic) wonderful time in our lives. It also helps us gain a sense of comradery with fellow ‘Neers! This year’s homecoming was one that will go down in the history books: an “edge of your seat” exciting game, wonderful halftime show and above all- a love for Appalachian State University.

A Family Tradition

I suppose I should mention, I did not graduate from Appalachian State University, but both my parents are proud to call it their Alma Mater. However, it has become a Father & Daughter tradition to bring in at least one good ole’ game a season and traditionally it has been the homecoming game. It has always been a day I look forward to! Bundled up in the black and gold (though the cold was not a problem this year!) and getting to hear my dad’s stories of his “glory days” in Bowie Dorm, the original wind turbine and of course-more football. I imagine my co-workers have similar “adventures” – as almost all of Vincent Properties agents and staff are proud ASU Mountaineers.

Take Melissa Boone for instance, she graduated from Appalachian State in 2009. Melissa has been an avid supporter of Appstate athletics since day one.  Melissa has the tradition of kicking off Appstate football games by tailgating with her family and friends. For the homecoming game, they always pull out all the stops, and this year they brought home the gold. Literally!

May I present to you the “Winning Tailgate” of Appalachian State Homecoming 2017!

Lincoln Boone Enjoys his first Appalachian State Homecoming Game

This year brought a new member to the family tradition,

as Melissa and Adam brought their “future Mountaineer”, Lincoln, to his first homecoming game!

 

The Game and Halftime Show

Appalachian State’s football program has always been the “contender” ! This game was one of the best I had ever seen! Granted it started out rough, with New Mexico scoring the first touchdown of the game by simply lobbing the ball down the middle into the in-zone.  It appeared that the Mountaineers did not have their heads in the game, finally getting on the scoreboard with a field goal kick . After the a wonderful halftime show of “Earth and Fire” covers by the Merriam Hayes School of Music Marching Band, it was like a whole new team had hit the field! Records were broken for interceptions (6 in total!), the score tied up THREE TIMES in the last quarter and freshman Malik Williams threw the winning touchdown in the last 5:45 of the game.  I originally said this game had everyone sitting on the edge of their seats- CORRECTION-everyone was actually standing on their seats!! Get the full game recap, here, including video!

Final Score of the Appalachian State Homecoming Game

Final Score of the Appalachian State Homecoming Game

 

 

DISCLAIMER: the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author’s employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.

October Newsletter: No Tricks, All Treats!

October is a great time in the High Country- spooks and ghouls aside- fall is setting up to be gorgeous! We hope you find this months newsletter features are fun, informative and have you wanting to come back for more!

If you would like to have our newsletter delivered to your inbox, simply scroll to the bottom of our page and sign up!

 

OctoberNewsletter

 

 

DISCLAIMER: the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author’s employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.

Gas Tanks: Not an Underground Treasure

When buying or selling your home, lots of surprises can happen. Some can be “happy accidents” others can lead your dream home purchase into a nightmare! This is where having the expertise of a seasoned licensed real estate agents comes in handy! Recently, Vincent Properties’ Lee Gillette experienced a first for him: the discovery of a leaking underground gas tank. The detection of this (non) underground treasure almost lead to his housing deal going “belly up” but through Gillette’s diligence, the issue was all cleaned up in time for closing! Does your property or potential future home have an underground gas tank? Here are few things to know!

Old Heating Radiator

Did you know?

Prior to the 1970’s, most houses used a heating system in which the fuel oil was stored in an above ground (AST) or underground (UST) storage tank.  Nowadays, it is common for the current property owners to be unaware of the existence of an underground gas tanks since many of these older heating systems have been replaced over the years. Most new home owners have never had to deal with the fuel oil tanks themselves. Over time, it is extremely common for oil to leak from these USTs, impacting the underlying soil and potentially, the ground water. The presence of soil contamination is not always obvious and can go undetected for years.  However, when leakage is discovered, State law requires immediate action to assess and cleanup the impacted soils. All environmental work must be carried out by a NC licensed geologist or engineer.

You may say, “what’s the worst that can happen with an underground gas tank?”

I’m glad you asked.  There are several actions that are required to take place if soil contamination is discovered.  First, the leaking UST must be removed and all contaminated soil beneath the tank must be excavated and hauled off to a proper containment site.  Finally, an environmental assessment must be completed as specified by State regulations.  This work typically requires at least one month to complete and can cost upwards of $7,000.

Here’s the kicker…

…if it is not possible to completely remove contaminated soil (exceeding applicable standards) from beneath the UST, a Notice of Residual Petroleum may then be required to be filed with the host county Register of Deeds office before the property may be legally conveyed or transferred pursuant to NCGS 143B-279.11 (d).  This creates a cloud on the title which runs in perpetuity and essentially guarantees that a lender will not grant a mortgage on the contaminated property.  This is very important information for both buyers and sellers as it can have a major impact on the value of your property.

Empty gas tank
DISCLAIMER: the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author’s employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.

Stephen McDaniel’s Guide to Halloween in the High Country

Where to take the small ones to get a years worth of candy, in just one night!

 

Halloween is that wonderful time of the year of dressing up in silly costumes, getting a thrill from spooky haunted houses and of course- TRICK OR TREAT CANDY! But where do you go to get to hit the sweet treat jack pot? Vincent Properties real estate broker and father of 3, Stephen McDaniel has done the research for you to bring home the gold (wrapped candies, that is)!

Stephen McDaniel's Family during Halloween

My wife and our three sons at Trunk or Treat!

Boone

  Boone Boo! – Visit the Jones House in downtown Boone and go from store to store where merchants stay open to greet the little ghost and goblins – plenty of other events for the kids on the Jones House Lawn.  Costume contest, MAGIC SHOW, Arts and Crafts, and more.

Boone Mall – Visit the mall for some indoor fun, especially if the weather does not cooperate.

 Appalachian State University – Stop by several of the dormitories for some candy treats and neat Halloween fun.

Little Girl in Costume Trick or Treats for Halloween

 Blowing Rock

  Downtown Halloween Festival – lots of activities, games, fun, prizes food and a monster march down main street.  If you haven’t ever seen 100+ cute kids walking down the street dressed in costume, you will not want to miss this. The Blowing Rock Parks and Rec Department really puts on a good show for the kids.  Trick or Treat with the town merchants as well.

  First Baptist Blowing Rock, Trunk or Treat – visit numerous cars with different spooky themes and get candy and food along the way.  Central location for quick and easy Halloween fun.

  Tweetsie Railroad – For the whole month of October the theme park turns ghoulish with a themed trained ride, scary forest and other Halloween events and shows.  Only open for certain nights and tickets are required but plenty of fun for a wide range of ages.

Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes

   Harvest Farm Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch, Valle Crucis

Located almost next door to the Original Mast General Store. The farm has a 7 acre corn maze and is open Friday-Sunday only

New River Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch, Deep Gap

The Brown Family Farm is located just outside of Boone, NC and offers a pumpkin patch, corn maze, haunted corn maze, tractor-pulled hay rides and train ride.

Ashe County Corn Maze

The maze features much more than a corn maze!  Make a day of your trip and play horse shoes and corn hole, jump in the bounce house, ride the pipe slide, roast a marshmallow and get your face painted on the weekend.

 

 Stay tuned for Stephen’s list of recommended Children’s Dentist in the High Country! 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author’s employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.

Hurricane Harvey & Irma-How the High Country can HELP!

As many Americans know, Hurricane Harvey has wrecked most of Texas (and now Irma is on its way to East Coast), leaving several without food, water and shelter.  As a country we have always found a way to unite to help our neighbors in these crises, and this natural disaster(s) has many calling out for help. One of the most beautiful qualities of living in the High Country is how our sense of community seems to supersede all the rest. Outsiders would call it “southern hospitality” but we all know in our hearts that it’s just being a good, loving neighbor! Vincent Properties is reaching out to all of you- our neighbors and friends, with some information on how you can lend a helping hand!

Vincent Properties has banding together with Take Heart/Bless Your Heart, in conjuncture with other community organizations, to help gather supplies and donations to be sent those in need of aid and in the trenches. Below is a list of needed supplies that can be donated and dropped off at Vincent Properties office at 989 Main Street, in Blowing Rock. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call Vincent Properties’ office at 828-295-0700 or email at Sales@VincentProperties.com

Supplies Needed:

Bottled Water

First Aid Kits

Diapers, Formula, Baby Wipes,Etc

Bug Spray

Flash lights/headlamps

Visa/MasterCard Gift Cards- please no cash donations!

Non perishable food items like: protein bars, snack packs, canned & boxed food

New Toys- that do not need batteries- consider card games, coloring books/crayons.

Toiletries – Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Toilet paper, body wash, shampoo, feminine products-etc

Cleaning supplies- bleach, rubber gloves, face masks, etc

Plastic grocery bags to help distribute supplies to those in need

PLEASE NO CLOTHING

You can also make direct donations by purchasing from these organization’s Amazon “wish lists”. Click the links below to learn more. Furthermore, if you shop on Amazon often, Vincent Properties would recommend that you use Amazon Smile (www.amazon.com/smile) to complete all your shopping needs- a portion of every purchase will go to help the Hurricane Harvey Victims.

Refugee Services of Texas

SPCA of Texas

Animal Defense League of Texas

Texas Diaper Bank

American Red Cross

Please check back in later or stay tuned to the Vincent Properties Facebook for more information as things progress!

 

DISCLAIMER: the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author’s employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.