May 26, 2014

Greg Rapp ~ Marketing Historic Homes in Rowan County, North Carolina

In these uncertain economic times it takes more than a sign to sell a historic property. It takes hard work, a strong network and a thoughtful plan. It takes an expert, like Wallace Realty's Greg Rapp, Rowan County's foremost expert at marketing antique, historic properties.  Greg, as a REALTOR® in Salisbury North Carolina, spends the bulk of his time on a niche that is less than five percent of the total real estate market. No real estate agent in this area of North Carolina cares more about the preservation of historic architecture and landscapes than Greg Rapp
 
Greg Rapp has years of practical and academic experience in the field of marketing and selling historic buildings. His command and interest in this niche has introduced substantial market and anecdotal research to determine trends, strategies and tools necessary to successfully buy or sell a historic property.
 
CREATING A MARKETPLACE 

REALTOR® Greg Rapp ~ a preservation advocate and long-time fan of historic homes ~ long ago decided to convert his avocation to his vocation. He has become the area's premiere real estate agent specializing in marketing and selling historic properties.  Greg's marketing strategies for older homes is founded on the premise that an exclusive marketplace for historic real estate benefits sellers and buyers of old buildings and ultimately the buildings themselves. Greg's goal, therefore, is to create a marketplace at "Salisbury, North Carolina Real Estate" that matches fine old buildings with preservation-minded buyers. The best way to save fragile historic buildings is to put them in good, safe hands with buyers who appreciate the scarcity of a well-preserved antique.

Greg Rapp invests heavily in building this strong, vibrant marketplace, so in essence all marketing and promotional activities benefit all clients. It is Greg's intention, with "Salisbury, North Carolina Real Estate", to garner the best price for your property by employing an aggressive marketing plan that attracts the most qualified and interested buyers thus creating a competitive sales environment.

CASE IN POINT

Greg recently closed on the pre-Civil War era home at 2220 Gold Knob Road.  A circa 1855 log home is not the home for just any buyer, but Greg's expertise in moving this rare and special home with a history helped to create the vision for the buyer that this was THE home for them!  Why the success?  '"There is quality found in historic homes—the quality of design, material, and handcraft—that simply doesn't exist in many of today's McMansions," Rapp says. "There are plaster walls, first growth timber and decorative elements created by craftsmen rather than rolled off of an assembly line."

PRESERVATION PROFESSIONAL

Greg was recently recognized by the Historic Salisbury Foundation for his work in the marketing and selling of historic homes.  By specializing in marketing historic properties, Greg says that buyers and sellers seek out his expertise. By marketing himself as a specialist, he distinguishes himself from other sales associates and brokers and gain a competitive edge.  This is demonstrated by the sheer number of historic properties Greg has marketed, both commercial and residential, in a relatively small time frame. "Historic preservation holds a community together," Rapp says. "If you preserve the character of the buildings in a town, you get more of a community feeling. When you start tearing down history, however, you lose that sense of fiber."

THE VALUE OF A HISTORIC HOME
 
The age of a well-kept, unspoiled home is part of its value. Homes older than eighty years are becoming less common. Homes in an historic neighborhood are limited in quantity, but are the treasure of a city and a drawing card for tourists. The style of architecture and craftsmanship which are found in many older houses are notably lacking in new buildings. Beautifully restored homes add to the charm and value of a city. It is for this reason that many large cities have developed committees for historical preservation. Grants for the restoration of older homes are often available to homeowners. 

With a little effort, research and a venture outside of the box, Greg's knowledge of the marketing and selling of older homes takes him to an exciting new aspect of real estate. . . and he appreciates the challenge! 

 
Are you ready to market your vintage home?  Are you looking to buy that perfect older home built with quality and character that cannot compare to newly built structures?  Then give Greg Rapp a call ~ 704.213.6846 ~ and start your exciting challenge!





 
Greg Rapp
Wallace Realty Co.
704 213 6846 Mobile
704 636 2021 Office
www.realestatesalisbury.net



May 24, 2014

Private Cul-de-Sac Living in Your New All-Brick, 4 Bed/2.5 Bath Home in Peaceful Granite Quarry NC!

If enjoying the out-of-doors in your own home setting is what you really enjoy, then this beautiful, BEAUTIFUL all brick 4-bedroom, 2 and 1/2 bath home at 306 Meadow Wood Court in Granite Quarry, North Carolina is just for YOU!

Not only does this lovely 2-stort home in its cul-de-sac neighborhood have 4 wonderfully sized bedrooms, with its master suite on the main level, gorgeous vaulted cathedral ceilings, a giant 2-car garage with a bonus room above (with its own staircase entry!) . . . the sun decking system with its pergola style arbor is the pièce de résistance!





306 Meadow Wood Court sits on a lot and a half ~ giving the home a private yet spacious vista of lawn surrounding this immaculately landscaped home.  Mature hardwood trees shade the back lawn, which you'll overlook from your spacious sundeck across the back of the home...or view from your bay windowed breakfast room off your newly updated kitchen!  The sun-deck additionally creates a covered patio beneath. . . . a perfect place to entertain or just relax during summer evenings ~ three seasons a year!



The formal living room, dining room, and entry hall all feature architectural detail such as chair rail moldings.  The vaulted ceiling in the living room allows for the large palladium window to stream natural light into the space, and the gas log fireplace with deep forest green marble surround will delight you in winter evening gatherings.


The staircase features a central mezzanine that overlooks either the living room or the front foyer and entry hall ~ a wonderfully open feature of this stylish home!


The master suite is situated on the main level.  You'll love the large 20' x 13' space with its very spacious master bath, with corner tub, separate walk-in stone-tiled shower, dual vanities. . . AND a large walk-in closet!


Now!  If all this isn't enough to grab your attention...take a look at this:  Not one but TWO bonus casual or recreational areas in the home!

(1)  The Bonus-Room over the garage! 

Take a peak at this gigantic rec-room over the garage, with ceiling fans and its own staircase into the back yard!  What an awesome gathering space for friends, families, teens ~ everyone!



(2)  A Full Walk-Out Basement ~ !!!

This wonderful space is HUGE, clean, and brightly lit with natural light!




306 Meadow Wood Court is in physically located in the town of Granite Quarry, just a stone's throw from the City of Salisbury's amenities such as shopping, restaurants, galleries, and theatres.  It's also a hop-skip-&-jump from Interstate I-85 and the Amtrak Station at the historic Salisbury Depot ~ making travel a breeze!  More outdoor fun what you're looking for?  Don't forget Granite Quarry's proximity to High Rock Lake ~ a haven for boaters, fishing, and water sports!  Golf courses are nearby as well, from the public course at McCanless Golf Club to The Country Club of Salisbury!



What are you waiting for??!??  Contact Salisbury North Carolina's award-winning REALTOR® Greg Rapp today at 704.213.6846 to take in all the features of 306 Meadow Wood Court for yourself.  You will be hard-pressed to find such a wonderfully maintained home, not only immaculately kept but with so many great features!

306 Meadow Wood Court
Granite Quarry, NC 28146
MLS#: R56352
$269,900 


Greg Rapp
Wallace Realty Co.
704 213 6846 Mobile
704 636 2021 Office www.realestatesalisbury.net






May 20, 2014

Why Choose Historic Preservation for Your Next Home or Business Location

On May 19, 2014, the Salisbury Post published this article written by Catherine Garner:

True or false: Historic buildings are always money pits and fixing them up never does any good, except by making a dilapidated building look less ugly?

False! Historic preservation, and in particular, the rehabilitation of historic buildings, results in significant positive financial impacts to the economy at the federal, state and local levels.


In fact, in a report published by Preservation North Carolina, the state’s preservation non-profit organization, the North Carolina Historic Tax Credit program in combination with the federal rehabilitation incentives generated $1.36 billion dollars in project expenditures on just over 2,100 rehabilitation projects since 1998 across North Carolina alone.

How is this possible? According to Donovan Rypkema, a real estate and economic development consultant who specializes in the economic impact of historic preservation, new construction cost is generally half materials and half labor expenditures. However, in rehabilitation projects, 60 to 70 percent of project expenditures are labor and the rest is spent on materials.

When materials like sheetrock, shingles or HVAC equipment are purchased, the materials themselves do not generate any additional money, they simply remain and operate in their own vacuum. Yet, when we spend money to purchase services and labor, we hire our community members and neighbors — the plumbers, electricians and contractors. The laborer then spends the money paid to him or her on other goods and services needed, which continues to pump money into our economy and keeps those dollars circulating.

Furthermore, Rypkema has found that $1 million spent on new construction generates on average 30.6 jobs, whereas $1 million spent on rehabilitation creates 35.4 jobs, almost five more jobs per million invested. If a community chooses to spend $1 million dollars on rehabilitation, five to nine more jobs will be created, 4.7 jobs will be created elsewhere in the community because the newly hired or paid workers will spend money and community household incomes will rise — increasing throughout the community by over $100,000 on average.




In fiscal year 2012, the National Park Service, the national office for historic preservation, found that through the $3.15 billion spent by the federal government in tax credit incentive projects, approximately 57,783 new jobs were created in the United States. The numbers do not lie — preservation makes economic sense.

What about the impact in North Carolina? Since 1998, federal and state rehabilitation tax credits have encouraged over $1.36 billion dollars in private investment in North Carolina alone. This private investment in combination with the tax credit incentives has created more than 20,000 new full-time jobs.


Not considering the post-rehabilitation impacts, such as tourism, the income-producing rehabilitation tax credits create an estimated $12.5 million dollars in gross domestic product (GDP) per year in North Carolina, which generates about 300 new jobs each year.

Even more impressive are the Mill Rehabilitation Credits, a larger incentive package for the rehabilitation of old textile mills and factories in North Carolina. The Mill Rehabilitation Credits generate $30.4 million in GDP per year for North Carolina and generates 600 new jobs, and that’s just the beginning.

Rypkema makes a very compelling point about the economics of historic preservation by noting that historic preservation and downtown revitalization are the only forms of economic development that also develop the community at the same time.

Reinvesting in our community’s buildings and workers not only boosts the economy, but it creates jobs for our fellow community members and makes the community a more attractive and functional place.

Have you ever thought about taking on a rehabilitation project? No matter how large or small, you’ll not only be doing right by the building you save, but you’ll be doing right by your community and making a measurable difference in the economy, and that’s something worth putting your money toward!

Catherine Garner is a planner for the City of Salisbury.



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On Thursday, May 22, 2014, the Historic Salisbury Foundation will recognize REALTOR® Greg Rapp for his preservation efforts in the marketing and selling historic homes and commercial buildings, sustaining historic preservation and the rehabilitation of historic buildings here in Rowan County, North Carolina, helping to create significant positive financial impacts to the economy in this community.


Are you interested in reinvesting in a community?  Why not here, in Rowan County?  Call Greg Rapp at 704.213.6846 and we'll get the wheels turning for you!






Greg Rapp

Wallace Realty Co.
704 213 6846 Mobile
704 636 2021 Office






May 12, 2014

Add Another Historic Home Sale to Greg Rapp's List!

Another beautifully built, circa 1927, all brick Arts & Crafts home, is sold by Greg Rapp in the Fulton Heights Historic District of Salisbury, North Carolina.

410 Mitchell Avenue in the desirable Fulton Heights neighborhood is a 4-bedroom, 2-bath home with over 3000 square feet of living space.  The home, in this family-oriented neighborhood on a street with a planted medium that is maintained by the residents, features many updates, such as refinished hardwood floors and granite countertops and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen.


Freshly painted inside, the new owner will enjoy a new HVAC system upstairs and new water heater.  A bonus room on the upstairs level has the potential for playroom space, a nursery, or library/sitting room for the master bedroom. An enclosed back porch will let the new owner enjoy the over 8000 square feet of yard cooled by huge mature shade trees.

The buyer of 410 Mitchell Avenue is moving to Salisbury NC from Colorado, and contacted Greg Rapp as result of his reputation as THE real estate agent to call after asking several people in the area.


Add the Craftsman home at 410 Mitchell Avenue to the list of historic and vintage homes that Greg Rapp has been devoted to marketing and selling in Rowan County, NC.  The Historic Salisbury Foundation will recognize the efforts Greg puts forth in promoting the older homes in this area with an award at their annual banquet: Preservation Craftsman & Professional 2014.  

No other real estate agent in the area leverages this level of expertise in older homes, understands why they are special, and why a newer home cannot replace the
craftsmanship represented in these vintage structures.  There is a reason many of these homes have stood for 100 years!

Are you ready for your historic home, built with superior materials and craftsmanship?  Call award-winning REALTOR® Greg Rapp ~ (704) 213-6846.   

 


Greg Rapp
Wallace Realty Co.
704 213 6846 Mobile
704 636 2021 Office