Pops-at-the-Post ~ Saturday June 2nd ~ A Completely Free Community Event

Pops-at-the Post, featuring the Salisbury-Rowan Symphony, is an annual outdoor concert at sundown ~ A completely free community event!

Where: The Salisbury Post loading dock, 131 W. Innes Street, Salisbury, NC. View Map

When: Pops-at-the-Post is hosted annually at 8 p.m. the first Saturday of June.

What makes Rowan County, North Carolina special? Many fun events and festivals allow visitors to experience the community throughout the year. From "Friday Night Out", "Brick Street Live concert series", "Art on Easy Street", Faith's "Fourth of July Festival," "October Tour", "Rowan Jazz & Blues Festival", "Pops-at-the-Post,"  and more, the festivals of Rowan County bring visitors from near and far. Festivals in Rowan County have become synonymous with the celebration of the arts, entertainment, history, community, and family.

A festival that has become tradition in Rowan County is "Pops-at-the-Post." In the heart of Salisbury, NC, nearly 4,000 people come annually to the parking lots behind The Salisbury Post Loading Dock in Downtown Salisbury. At sunset, the Salisbury-Rowan Symphony Orchestra, with conductor David Hagy, provide a free concert to the community. Food vendors offer barbeque, Cheerwine, pizza, and ice cream. Many families and neighborhood groups tailgate in the parking lots, spending quality time together.  Some concertgoers go all-out, bringing tables clothed in fine linens, candelabras, vases of flowers, and arrays of appetizers. Others bring their camp chairs or picnic blanket and take advantage of the food and drink provided by vendors. Concert attendees get a handheld fan with the program printed on the back at the Salisbury Symphony’s tent in the First Bank parking lot. Free Cheerwine will be offered again this year! Look for the Cheerwine trailer in the front corner of the First Bank parking lot.

 

Pops-at-the-Post is a completely free annual community event, featuring a performance by the Salisbury-Rowan Symphony.  Pops-at-the-Post is typically a two-hour concert, with a 15-minute intermission, and two planned encores.

The Salisbury-Rowan Symphony hosted the first Pops-at-the-Post in 2005 as part of the Salisbury Post's centennial celebrations at the Salisbury Post loading dock near the intersection of Church Street and W. Innes Street in downtown Salisbury, North Carolina. So many people came out to see this special performance of the Salisbury Symphony that Pops-at-the Post has turned into an annual community event. Generous sponsors and donors have contributed to keep Pops-at-the-Post a completely free community event. Festivities go on all day, with a pre-concert warm-up from 5 to 7 p.m. by the Salisbury Swing Band.

So again, this Saturday, The Salisbury Post will host the annual Pops-at-the-Post outdoor symphony concert showcasing The Salisbury Symphony. With the weather forecast showing temperatures in the mid-80s by concert time and no rain in sight, Maestro David Hagy will raise the baton for the sunset concert — approximately 8PM on Saturday June 2^nd, 2012.

The program features a mix of traditional patriotic music as well as contemporary favorites, and takes place outside of the loading dock of the Salisbury Post.  Several thousand area residents enjoy the concert each year, held the first Saturday evening in June.  This year’s program includes:  “Star-Spangled Banner” John Stafford Smith; “1712” Overture P.D.Q. Bach (Peter Schikele); “Saints” anonymous, W.C. Handy, arranged by Bruce Healey; “Selections From Huck Finn” Billy Burke.

Also “My Heart Will Go On” from Titantic James Horner; “Midway March” from Midway John Williams; “Beach Boys Medley Brian Wilson & Mike Love,arranged by Calvin Cluster; “Music From To Kill A Mockingbird” Elmer Bernstein

“You Can’t Stop The Beat” from Hairspray Marc Shaiman; “Olympic Fanfare And Theme” John Williams; “Lean On Me” & “We Shall Overcome”, Bil Withers and Charles Tindley; “1812” Overture Peter Tchaikovsky; “The Salisbury Post March” John Philip Sousa; and “Stars and Stripes Forever” March John Philip Sousa.

Hagy remembers walking from the Post, Salisbury NC's local newspaper publisher, to the Wrenn House to see where an orchestra might be able to set up for an outdoor concert. As the group chatted as they walked out the door through the loading dock, Hagy noticed the sound echoing back. “Wait a minute”, he thought, “The acoustics are amazing!”

In that moment, the unlikely idea of a concert on a loading dock was born. The loading dock venue has better acoustics than even Tanglewood,and is perfect for the orchestra. The three-foot awning on the front and sides bounces the music from the front of the orchestra to the back. The brass can hear the strings, and that’s so unusual. This was an incredible find!

Pops-a-the-Post was honored earlier this year with an award from the N.C. Main Street Program that awards organizations recognized for excellence in downtown revitalization efforts in categories such as promotion, organization, design and economic restructuring. Pops-at-the-Post received the award for Best Downtown Special Event. The successful Main Street program has proven that revitalizing our downtown areas can help grow local small businesses, attract new investments and create jobs.

Ample parking for the Pops-at-the-Post event is available throughout the Downtown Salisbury area. Vendors will set up along Fisher Street this year by 4 p.m. There is limited handicapped parking in the Post courtyard. A drop-off area is also available at the First Bank lot. Drivers may enter the lot from Innes Street and exit to the right onto Jackson Street.

There are 400 reserved seats available for event sponsors, symphony season ticket holders ,and disabled concert-goers. Any remaining reserved seats become open to the public on a first-come-first-serve basis after 7 p.m.

Tailgate parking opens at 1 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis in the Post employee and First Bank parking lots. The lots close by 7 p.m. or as soon as they are full. You can reserve a tailgating spot so you don’t have to park so early with a $50 donation to Pops-at-the-Post.  To reserve a spot, contact Phillip Winters at the Post, 704-797-4205, or pwinters@salisburypost.com.

Overwhelmingly positive community reaction to the first concert, which celebrated the Salisbury Post’s 100th anniversary, turned the potential for Pops-at-the-Post to become an annual event to a reality. Now, Pops-at-the-Post is a 501(c)(3) organization, which allows for tax-deductible donations.

Want to donate? Supporters can donate to the event online through the Pops-at-the-Post Causes page on Facebook. Or mail donations to: Pops-at-the-Post, P.O. Box 4639, Salisbury, NC 28145

For more information:

• www.popsatthepost.org

• www.facebook.com/PopsatthePost

• www.causes.com, Pops at the Post

The annual Pops-at-the-Post outdoor symphony concert at dusk is just one more reason to make Salisbury, North Carolina your home.  With its incredible selection of historic homes, and vibrant downtown, and its array of community events, Salisbury is the place to be!

So here is your weekend itinerary for June 1-3^rd:

317 S. Shaver Street c. 1900 - $89,900

Friday: Contact Greg Rapp (704.213.6846) for information on homes for sale in Salisbury

Saturday: Attend the Pops-at-the-Post concert

Sunday: Visit the homes of your choice with Realtor Greg Rapp.   

It’ll be a weekend you won’t regret! You can make Salisbury NC your home!


Greg Rapp ~ Wallace Realty ~ 704.213.6846

Railroading ~ Day Trip to Salisbury NC! Why Choose Salisbury.

On a first trip to Salisbury via Amtrak, Tam Richert stepped through the 1908 Salisbury Depot and headed first to the Visitor’s Center (204 E. Innes Street , left out of the station and right on Innes), and then up Innes to Main Street and Tastebuds Coffee and Tea (106-A N. Main St). This organic coffee shop has just the right balance of friendly advice, wood, and upholstery to sit a spell, sip, and strategize. The article, published May 21, 2012 in the Cary Citizen, details her 3-hour day trip to Salisbury North Carolina, and why people love visiting and living in Salisbury so much ~ the small town charm, lovely people, and historic preservation ethic.

To read about Tam's day-trip to Salisbury, follow this link:

http://carycitizen.com/2012/05/21/railroading-day-trip-to-salisbury/

The Wiley~Lash House c. 1909 - Historic Home for Sale!

If you are considering moving, and like the idea of a small town steeped in history and charm, contact  
Greg Rapp
Wallace Realty
704.213.6846
to take a peek at the wonderful homes and culture that is Salisbury.

Why We Love Old Houses

Each historic home has its own story. Stepping into each old house is like opening a new book.

"Why I Love Old Houses", and article written by Scott Austin Sidler and reprinted on Preservation Nation, the official blog of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, tells one person's journey through restoring older homes, and leaving his mark along with the artists and craftsman of the past whose work we respect so greatly.

http://blog.preservationnation.org/2012/05/11/why-i-love-old-houses/

To see the old houses we love in Salisbury, North Carolina, contact Greg Rapp at 704.213.6846. Leave your mark with the artists and craftsman of past eras ~ Salisbury is rich with homes from the past!

Retro-Ranch Style Home for sale at 1217 FORESTDALE DRIVE ~ $129,900

Nestled into a wooded site, this 1956 Ranch~Style house at 1217 Forestdale Drive in Salisbury NC is the perfect contemporary home for a growing family.  The brick veneer exterior blends the house with the shadowed tree trunks of the surrounding woods and large windows and sliding glass doors optimize views to the surrounding landscape. A large screened in porch overlooks the nearly half-acre naturalized back yard with mature landscaping.

Just a few doors down from the newest section of the Salisbury Greenway, 1217 Forestdale Drive is perfectly located for strolling, walking dogs, exercising, or relaxing.

One-story Ranch~Style home designs are so simplistic that some critics say they have no style. But there's more than meets the eye to the classic suburban Ranch~Style house.

1950's era homes are the new historic architecture. People forget that historic doesn't just mean 100+ years old! For anyone over 40, the 1950's Ranch~Style home represents a familiar, if bygone era, where hoards of kids trawled the streets and sitcom families lived in homes just like theirs.

As with all 20th century American architecture, the Ranch style is eclectic.  The typical Ranch~Style home is a single story  structure that at first glance, may appear bereft of style, but that first impression can be deceptive. 1950’s ranch homes ranged from an unadorned box to various L- or U-shaped configurations, often long and horizontal with an asymmetrical facade. Distinctive features found homes of the 1950s and 60s included Formica kitchens, sliding glass doors and large, casement-style windows.

The interior of a Ranch~Style home is generally open with living room, dining areas, and family rooms blending into one another. Kitchens are often adjacent to the family room (where Mom, Dad, and the kids while watching “Ozzie and Harriet” or “Bonanza” could enjoy many a TV dinner served on a tray). Sliding glass doors open onto decks and patios for summertime patio living.

This sprawling, 3-bedroom, circa 1956 Ranch~Style home at 1217 Forestdale features extremely spacious living areas, such as the long, combination living room/dining room off the kitchen ~ over 27 feet long!  This wonderful family and entertaining has one of the homes two fireplaces.  The other is in a large, 23’ x 14’ den that features sliding glass doors.  This room additionally has the potential to be converted into a fourth bedroom.  The 15.5x9.5’ kitchen includes a breakfast room area and the convenient location for the washer dryer hookup. 

A feature unique to a home of this era is the original vintage pink-tile bathroom!  Pink bathrooms were common in homes built in mid-century America, but by the 1970s they were considered as saccharine as a package of Sweet’N Low. But within the last 5-7 years, pink bathrooms are back into vogue. While pink bathrooms started appearing as early as the 1930s, many credit Mamie Eisenhower with popularizing them in the 1950s. Pastel pink or “Mamie pink” soon became the era’s iconic bathroom color.

Ceramic tile work done before the 1970s was usually of very high quality, according to architects and architectural historians. The tiles themselves were often more substantial and less prone to crack and the so-called mud job, or the way tiles are set in place, was more careful and adhesive. The tiles back then were laid in real mortar, which is why so many of the pink and other wild-colored bathrooms survived.  It’s unclear what is driving the recent rethinking of pink, but one factor could be the high visibility of mid-century design due in part to the popularity of “Mad Men” (the Drapers’ downstairs powder room was pink) and Atomic Ranch, the retro architecture magazine.  And since pink bathrooms are associated with a time of prosperity, perhaps there is also an element of nostalgia for rosier times. Just "Google" 1950's pink tile bathroom to see the momentum this style has!  There are even 'Save the Pink Bathroom' websites!

Some of the additional features of 1217 Forestdale are the new laminate floors that gleam throughout the hall, combo living/dining and two bedrooms.  The home has a small 143 square-foot foot utility basement and utility room. The roof and HVAC systems at 1217 Forestdale are only 6 years old!  This retro- Ranch home, with its architectural style growing in popularity, and all its features is for sale now at $129,900.

Ranch~Style homes are gaining popularity for their ability to integrate Universal design concepts (Universal design is an approach to design that works to ensure products and buildings can be used by virtually everyone) and accessibility into its single-story floor plans, which is becoming extremely popular ~ and everyone loves the retro look and enjoys a relaxed and spacious home for their families. To get started relaxing in your own circa 1950's Ranch~Style home in Salisbury NC, call Greg Rapp at 704.213.6846.

Need some elbow room? Newly listed ~ 1108 Gracebrook Drive, Salisbury NC

Newly listed 1108 GRACEBROOK DRIVE in Salisbury, NC is an immaculate home with lots of elbowroom, right outside the City limits. This 1998, two-story, 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath home sits on over an acre of land ~ and is freshly painted and vinyl sided. This home is in move-in condition with no updating required! Take in the views of the landscape either from the large deck in back overlooking the huge yard or from the cozy front porch. This home is in excellent condition both inside and out.

1108 Gracebrook has a large living room, with a gas-log fireplace, and dining room, and kitchen with a charming breakfast nook featuring bay windows. Hardwood floors in upstairs hall take you to the master suite which has a decorative tray ceiling and dual walk-in closets. The master bath features dual sinks and a separate shower and bathtub. This home’s upstairs laundry room makes for convenient living! Speaking of convenient, this property has well and septic systems…in other words no City sewer/water bills! The energy-efficient gas heat & hot water will also reduce your cost-of-living. Add to this the maintenance free vinyl siding and your leisure time suddenly doubles while the cash your pocket increases!

The large double attached garage makes for perfect extended storage place for not only your automobiles but your yard tools, the kids’ bikes, and all your other fun ‘toys’.

1108 Gracebrook is part of the Grace Ridge Community. When you purchase this home in this neighborhood, you will enjoy walking paths through the trees, a clubhouse, ball field, and pool. Each section of Grace Ridge is joined by walking paths.  The complete loop around the path, including 5 cul-de-sacs, is about 3.3 miles and is a great workout.  You can always go for a stroll and then cool off with a nice dip in the pool. Residents of Grace Ridge truly enjoy all the amenities Grace Ridge has to offer and you will appreciate the community atmosphere and the pride that residents in the appearance of the neighborhood. Members of the Grace Ridge Homeowners Association enjoy a wonderful place to gather with family and friends in the community clubhouse.  The clubhouse is a great place to socialize and have family parties. The clubhouse is supplied with cookware, serving pieces, tables and chairs, and has all the luxuries of a home. Just recently added is a new 50" plasma television with optional surround sound, basic cable, DVD player and more. Grace Ridge Homeowners Association information can be found at www.graceridgehoa.com.

Got kids?   1108 Gracebrook schools are Knollwood Elementary,  Southeast Middle School, and the Jesse C. Carson High School.  Jesse C. Carson High School has been recognized and awarded for its academic programs that continue to push students towards the goal of becoming a School of Excellence.  Its athletic programs experience success thanks to the hard work and dedication of student athletes and coaches.  In addition, the Fine Arts department continues to offer students unique opportunities to excel in the areas of visual arts, choral and instrumental music, dance and theatre arts.  Jesse C. Carson High School’s Special Recognition include School of Progress 06-07; School of Progress 07-08; School of Progress 08-09; School of Distinction 09-10; and School of Distinction 10-11. You will be proud and pleased to have your children growing up in this fine academic environment.

http://www.downtownsalisburync.com/

1108 Gracebrook sits just outside the City limits of historic Salisbury, NC.  Salisbury is a rich environment for families with all sorts of activities to look forward to. Want to take the kids to the park?  Looking for activities/programs to keep the kids busy or one for yourself?  Do your kids want to be involved in community camps for Spring or Summer? It's not too late!  Want to play a good round of golf with your new friends?  Looking for an evening of culture?  Attend a local play hosted by one of three theatre troupes, attend an opening at the Waterworks Visual Art Center, or just take in an evening of live music at one of the downtown venues. Nearly anything you need can be found in Salisbury. Looking for local information on historic Salisbury?  Click on the picture to the left and search through all kinds of facts about the town. 

To see more of this immaculate home for only $169,900 in the Grace Ridge community, contact Greg Rapp today at 704.213.6846 ~  Take a look and make this your lifestyle today!

To FSBO or Not to FSBO ~ That is the Question! The Disadvantages of FOR-SALE-BY-OWNER.

If you are going to sell your property, You'll be thinking about whether to work with an agent or do a For-Sale-By-Owner or FSBO. Many are trying FSBO because they think that they will be able to save money on Realtor commissions. Selling property in this manner will spare folks from paying commissions and many feel they will be more in control of the processes as well as the decision-making, but sellers should understand the disadvantages to selling their home themselves.

There are several disadvantages to trying to sell your home yourself. Selling a house takes a lot of time and attention to detail. Real estate agents are familiar with all the processes and the paperwork. They know how to prep a house for sale, deal with potential buyers, set up open houses, and how to handle financing, closing, and legal issues. Their expertise can also have a major impact on the sale.

It is important to know the drawbacks and disadvantages of FSBO to consider if you are making such a decision. Below are seven disadvantages of selling the property yourself and the advantage of working with an agent:

1.Let’s face it ~ Real estate agents are much better trained and informed than the average homeowner. There are many and frequent changes in the provisions regarding the selling of property. Even real estate agents research to stay updated!

2. The competition in the real estate market is extremely tough. This is why it is difficult to sell a property today. There are many sellers in the market and a limited number of buyers. Many sellers are lowering their prices in order to compete in the market. Many who take the FSBO route do not know how to present their property or market it well, and end up in losses. If you are competing with experienced real estate agents, your chances for success are extremely slim.

3. Selling your property is time consuming. There are many more processes involved than just putting up a For-Sale sign. The real estate agent is involved in these processes EVERY DAY and is extremely familiar with all the ins and outs of selling a home. Your property needs to be marketed properly by advertising it, making sure it reaches as many people as possible. Real estate agents have many tools at their fingertips to market your property, with a variety of methods to attract the right buyer, that are unavailable to the average FSBO home seller.

4. You have limited contacts. Marketing can be very difficult because unlike the real estate agents, you do not have access to all the different available lists. It is extremely important that you are able to contact a wide reach of people so that you can attract more buyers. Because a licensed Realtor can do this, he has a much greater opportunity than the average FSBO person to get you good and realistic offers.

5. You are emotionally attached to the property. You may overprice it because you think that it should be valued that way. The right real estate agent can make sure your home is priced right for the market. A real estate agent will be familiar with recent sales and home prices in your area, and market demand. Overpricing a property can make it languish unsold for months or even years, undermining any leverage you as a seller may have later in negotiating. 

6.  If you are selling your home yourself, it can be awkward for you to show it to buyers, and especially awkward to hear any criticisms they may make. The real estate agent can be the professional interface for this difficult process. If buyers have negative comments regarding the property, he can catalog them impartially and provide the comment to you in a manner that could turn out to be helpful, letting your make improvements that may ultimately help sell the property. Your Realtor will not take the comments personally. They could turn out to be helpful later on.

7.  The right real estate agent will know the rules. There are many and varied state laws and regulations governing fair housing, lead paint disclosure, and other requirements. Selling a home requires that you be in full compliance of these regulations. There are also rules governing offer-and-acceptance (your sale negotiations with a buyer) and sales contracts. The last thing you want is to risk a future lawsuit for not disclosing some defect on your property.

There are other benefits to working with a real estate agent. Consider choosing an agent who is a Realtor. In addition to being licensed by the state to sell real estate, Realtors, like Greg Rapp,  belong to the National Association of Realtors and must abide by a strict Code of Ethics. The National Association of Realtors has a code of ethics that will knock your socks off, and they are very strict in dealing with people who don't abide by them. Also, only Realtors have access to Multiple Listing Services (MLS) through which members share listings and have access to many more properties than non-members. When potential buyers contact a Realtor and explain what they are looking for, the Realtor may (1) already know a list of properties that meet the client’s needs, or (2) can research the MLS listings to see what matches those requirements. Your FSBO home will not be showing up on this list and will likely be overlooked!

Choose an agent who listens to your needs and takes the time to explain things you might not understand. Real estate transactions are complicated and full of confusing terminology. Greg Rapp will both know the answers to your questions and take the time to explain them. It's extremely important to find an agent whose personality you like. You want them to be bright, professional, trained, and someone who works in the business full-time, but personality is important. You are going to spend a lot of time with this person whether you are buying or selling.

The right agent will work with your time schedule. If you can only show your home on Sundays and your agent does not work that day, look elsewhere. If a listing agent does not work on weekends, consider who will be responsible for showing the house on weekends or holding open house. Whether buying or selling a house, your agent will set up appointments for you to either tour different homes, or show your home for sale. The Realtor will accompany you when you tour homes for sale. You can and should ask your agent many questions; after all, he is the expert. Many of Greg Rapp's clients have often expressed the value of his willing to work a flexible schedule that accommodated their busy lives.

Choose an agent who can and will provide other services. Greg can help arrange the house inspection, refer you to qualified lending professionals and real estate attorneys, and help you conduct a study of the property's value.

Some homeowners, faced with the prospect of selling their home, may weigh the possibility of selling the home themselves ~ without the benefit of contracting with a REALTOR. Beyond the issue of commission, many homeowners are wary that real estate brokers, for all their efforts and expertise, may not have their best interests at heart. Selling your home involves a lot of homework and homeowners making this decision must weigh their options carefully. Do you have the time to advertise and open your home for showings? Do you have what it takes to ask for an offer and negotiate a deal? Will you be able to close the deal? This is a huge undertaking for most people and not everyone has the level of expertise or training to take it on without some help. FSBO may allow you to save money because you will not be paying sales commission. However, you may lose a lot from the expenses incurred in advertising and marketing your property that show poor results. This will lead to fewer buyers and low offers. You will more than likely make the most if you work with an experienced sales agent.

 

Working with a real estate agent is necessary. With the right real estate agent, you are sure that your property is getting the maximum exposure and technical inputs.

If you have been thinking of selling your home all by yourself, think twice and think carefully. Homes in Salisbury/Rowan County, North Carolina deserve careful marketing and selling. With a licensed REALTOR like Greg Rapp, you are sure that selling your home will be a success! Greg Rapp DOES have your best interest at heart, knows the market, and uses the tools that WORK to sell your home! 

Need a REALTOR to avoid the FSBO pitfalls?  It's not too late to call Greg Rapp at 704.213.6846.

Tax Credits for Historic Properties

The State of North Carolina has a program for tax credits for historic preservation and rehabilitation of historic buildings. Here are some highlights of the state tax credit program:

The State offers 30% state tax credits for qualifying rehabilitation /restoration of "non-income producing" historic structures.   20% state tax credits are offered for rehabilitation/restoration of “income producing” historic structures that also qualify for the 20% federal investment tax credit. Combined, these credits can mean a 40% return on costs of a certified rehabilitation of an “income producing” historic building.

Purchasing an historic property as an owner-occupied personal residence in one of Salisbury, North Carolina's TEN Nationally Registered Historic Districts may qualify you for this tax credit!

Key things to note about the state tax credits:

• Only certified historic structures will qualify for the credits. A “certified historic structure" is defined as a building that is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, either individually or as a contributing building in a National Register historic district. In general, these structures are identified in the National Register nomination reports for each of Salisbury’s historic districts. Copies of these reports are on file at the Rowan Public Library.
• The rehabilitation of the historic structure must be substantial. For non-income-producing properties, the rehabilitation expense must exceed $25,000 within a 24 month period. For income-producing properties, the rehabilitation expense must exceed the greater of the "adjusted basis" of the building or $5,000 within a 24 month period or a 60 month period for phased projects.
• All rehabilitation work must meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
• Property owners are strongly advised to consult with the State Historic Preservation Office before beginning a rehabilitation to resolve potential design and rehabilitation problems that could result in denial of the credits.
• The credits cannot be claimed against the cost of acquisition, new additions, site work, or personal property. Only costs incurred in work upon or within a historic structure will qualify. Interior work such as HVAC work and kitchen and bathroom remodels will qualify if the work meets "The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation."

c. 1852 Thomas T Maxwell House

For more information about North Carolina State Tax Credits, contact the State Historic Preservation Office in Raleigh at (919) 807-6585 for “income-producing” properties or (919) 807-6574 for “non-income producing” properties. The North Carolina State Preservation Office website (www.hpo.ncdcr.gov/credits.htm) was the source for much of the information in this fact sheet.

To see the many and beautiful historic homes for sale available now in Salisbury that qualify for the NC Preservation Tax Credit, call Greg Rapp at 704.213.6846 today!

Success Story!

Success story ~ upselling a home in less than one month!

In February 2012, a couple interested in looking at historic homes for sale in Salisbury, North Carolina, came across the country from California to look at the 4000 square-foot fixer-upper at 414 Park Avenue listed at $69K.  Greg Rapp, knowing the wealth of historic houses available in this area, made appointments at several other area homes to let the couple make the most of their visit to Salisbury.  The rest of the story unfolds . . .

The couple made the tour of the vast potential of 414 Park Avenue, but also realized the vast "to-do" list that would ensue.  After looking at several other vintage homes, the couple made their offer on the “Zimmerman” house ~ a 1900 late Victorian style home in the prestigious West Square  Historic District…for $195K!!  Quite a switch up from the original $69K work-in-progress ~ and mere weeks from their first visit!  Why ~ ?

Because the c. 1900 Zimmerman home at 226 S. Ellis Street has been in the same family for over 40 years, lovingly cared for, and rock solid. The stunning open hallway, winding wood staircase, and enormous upper hall all have gleaming wood floors and fresh paint on all walls and every stair spindle.  While some components of the home need updating, this large vintage home in a tree-lined downtown neighborhood features large finished rooms, (3) upstairs bedrooms and (1) 1^st floor master bedroom, (2) full baths, living room, and an open kitchen leading to its newly painted dining room. The house is move-in ready, with mature shade trees and landscaping, rocking chair front porch (of course!), and in an established neighborhood.

Why would this couple fly from California to Salisbury NC to purchase a $69K historic ‘project’ and settle on a $195K vintage house?  Because Greg Rapp showed them the potential in the area and didn’t lock the couple into a predetermined mind-set.  In short, he showed the couple their new historic home.

When you are ready to see the true and complete selection of historic homes in Salisbury/Rowan County and get your money’s worth, call Greg Rapp at 704.213.6846 . . . and get the real tour. There are many beautiful homes available ~ in a wide price range. For example, the c. 1852 Thomas T. Maxwell House at 300 West Horah Street. Let Greg Rapp help you write your own success story!

The c. 1852 Thomas T. Maxwell House

This house can't be beat for its charm, quality, & PRICE!

Picture yourself around the corner from the theater, restaurants, a Farmer’s Market, the library, and shops, yet in a quiet and quaint historic district, sitting beside the fireplace in your circa 1900 cottage . . . or on the porch with your picket fence encircling your garden, sipping your iced~tea with fresh mint.  Sound too good to be true? 

Then come and see for yourself the spacious charm that awaits you at 317 S. Shaver Street in Salisbury, North Carolina. Where will you find a turn-key, move-in ready, maintenance free, home for sale on nearly a half-acre of picket-fenced yard for under $90,000?  The answer: right here!

317 S. Shaver Street, bigger than it looks in the photos, offers over 1500 square-feet of living space with large rooms for living or entertaining for $89.9K. This single-story home includes 3 large bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms (with loads of storage space!), laundry room, eat-in-kitchen, and a gracious and wide-open living room.  Through the front entry, with its Arts & Crafts style front door, you'll walk into a generous center hallway and the main living room area. The living room includes one of the home's two fireplaces, welcoming you and your guests with comfort and warmth. The living room fireplace wall additionally features a long built in banquette, offering a contemporary and smart solution to guest seating. High ceilings abound in true 1900's style.

This c. 1900 cottage is in the heart of the Brooklyn South Square Historic District. Brooklyn South Square neighborhood is centrally located in North Carolina, minutes from Interstate-85, and roughly 45 minutes from Charlotte, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point. You will be just 4-5 hours from the Carolina beaches or a short 2-hour drive to the mountains and the artsy Asheville area.

The present owner of 317 S Shaver Street has modernized this turn-of-the-century cottage to create a maintenance-free home that suits today's lifestyles. In 2008, the home was totally renovated and updated to include new HVAC, plumbing, electric, and a new roof. Kitchen and baths have been completely refurbished with new cabinets, fixtures, and ceramic tile floors. The home retains one original Victorian style mantle and most of its original hardwood floors, which have been refinished to a soft gleam.

317 S. Shaver Street was built for enjoying quiet reprieves and cool breezes in summer. The rocking-chair front porch is the quintessential sitting spot for reading a book or entertaining, in typical turn-of-the-century style.  A covered back porch looks over an expansive back lawn that is a landscape artist's blank canvas waiting to be filled with gardens and outdoor living spaces.

The home's welcoming entry is highlighted by a beautifully landscaped front yard featuring mature crepe myrtles, liriope, and bedding gardens filled with impatiens and colorful annuals.  A newly installed (fall of 2011) white picket fence accents the large yard. Part of the back yard features stockade-style privacy fence. This home is the epitome of the American Dream. 

317 S. Shaver Street, with its historic place in the community and its modern living advantages, evokes a feeling of comfort  and includes all the design elements of the American dream home. You will not find a home of this quality for this price for miles around! This wonderful home can be yours for $89.9K!  Call Greg Rapp at 704.213.6846 to see this circa 1900 charm today!

Why is Salisbury a historic city?

Noted Salisbury preservationist Edward H. Clement wrote a letter to the editor in the Salisbury Post’s “Sound Off” section March 3, 1979. “Why Salisbury is a historic city?” was recently reprinted in the Salisbury Post as part of a current weekly feature recognizing the Historic Salisbury Foundation’s 40th anniversary year.

Follow this link to read this wonderful letter that describes the rich background that make Salisbury, North Carolina a historic city:

http://www.salisburypost.com/News/031312-historic-salisbury-for-page-2A-clement-letter-qcd

To see historic properties for sale in Salisbury, contact Greg Rapp at 704.213.6846 or email Greg at gregrapp@wallacerealty.com.

Showing 414 Park Avenue Today!

Showing the potential of the large and beautiful Victorian home at 414 Park Avenue, Salisbury NC today!  Over 3900 square feet of living space at $69,900 in the North Long Street~Park Avenue Historic District ~ part of the City of Salisbury's Park Avenue Neighborhood Strategic Redevelopment Plan, a guide for implementing the vision that residents have developed for the future of their community that the City of Salisbury has invested in heavily.

No street is more closely connected to the overall image of the neighborhood that Park Avenue itself. It features impressive landscaping and houses, and improvements to many other aspects of the streetscape. The most notable is Cannon Park in the heart of the Park Avenue Community. Park Avenue is easily the most identifying image of a revitalizing community.

A house of this size, character, and history seldom comes along at this price!  Greg Rapp is showing this wonderful specimen of Victorian architecture in the Park Avenue neighborhood today!  If you would like more information about 414 Park Avenue or the Park Avenue Neighborhood, contact Greg at 704.213.6846 or email Greg at gregrapp@wallacerealty.com