Retirees Find the Time May Be Right to Buy

The euphoria is past. The era of rampant house flipping is gone. What was once a seemingly unstoppable climb in home prices has given way to a plunge in value in many areas.

Yet, there is a bit of good news: This might be the right time to find a bargain, especially for buyers approaching their retirement years who can afford to take their time. Not only are home prices down more than 25 percent in some parts of the country, there remains a glut of inventory on the market in traditional retirement destinations …

Continue to the rest of the story:
GREAT HOMES AND DESTINATIONS | June 27, 2008
Retirees Find the Time May Be Right to Buy >>>
By SUSAN STELLIN

The mountains of North Carolina offer many wonderful towns in which to retire. Our mild climate coupled with generally friendly people combine to offer an old fashioned aspect of life along with modern conveniences and a ‘hip’ edge. Visitors from other States often are shocked when the native speaks to them on the street to say ‘hello’ or embarks on a 10 minute conversation when asked directions! As someone that lived in DC, San Diego, Miami Beach and now Black Mountain just outside of Asheville, I can personally recommend the change in pace and attitude! When we first moved here, I had a BGO one day (blinding glimpse of the obvious) when I sat at traffic lights and I watched them go through 2 cycles with a car in front of me. In any of the other towns I lived in, this would have resulted in horns all around. I realized that the car in front was a visitor just taking in the glorious views of the mountains! As someone who visited here in the summer for years and took the step to move here 4 years ago, I am constantly amazed at the journey of discovery that is Western North Carolina.