The 40th Annual OctoberTour™ Just Came to Salisbury NC! Own a Piece of History!

The second weekend in October is one of the very best weekends to be in Salisbury NC!  Historic Salisbury Foundation hosts its annual OctoberTour™ of historic homes every...October!!!

OctoberTour invites thousands from a wide spread geographic area to Salisbury to view private historic homes.  And this year, it's the Foundation's 40th year hosting this extremely popular event.  We sure hop you came to Salisbury, North Carolina on October 10th & 11th to enjoy the 40th annual OctoberTour!

Realtor® Greg Rapp has long been recognized as the Salisbury/Rowan County expert in historic properties.  There isn't another local real estate agent who has the breadth and depth of knowledge of historic properties in the area.  Greg has not only sold more historic residential historic homes than any other area agent, but has spurred economic development in downtown Salisbury ~ presenting the concept of downtown residential spaces over retail in the downtrodden Bernhardt Hardware building...a restoration that now supports six luxury lofts above bistro restaurant, high-end custom bakery, and children's boutique.  The impact this restoration has had on the the downtown is immeasurable and the example is soon to be followed.  Similar downtown projects are waiting in the wings ~ thanks to the innovative and proactive vision of Greg Rapp with Wallace Realty.

Greg and Wallace Realty have several historic properties listed.  So if you took in OctoberTour 2015...you are surely hooked with the historic 'bug' (as if you weren't already)!!!  Let Greg Rapp and Wallace Realty turn you on to the cure for that bug!!

Wallace Realty's  historic listings include:

180 Zeb Street ~ This mill-village cottage, circa 1937, with it's rustic charm and rocking-chair front porch, is tucked away in a completely peaceful and private neighborhood.  Don't let 'rustic' fool you...this tiny home is nearly maintenance free with its new metal roof and vinyl siding! 

MLS#58138 / $39,500 (Listed agent: Greg Rapp)

317 Thomas Street West ~   This circa 1912 Folk Victorian boasts loads of period and original details, while sporting a wonderful renovation and addition with a 1st level Master Suite, study, and screen porch.   

MLS#58145 / $164,500 (Listing agent Margaret Lipe)

418 Monroe Street West ~ if a 'fixer-upper' is your dream....here it is!  Right on the edge of the prestigious Historic West Square in Salisbury NC, this American Bungalow is priced right for your finishing touches!  

MLS#57756 / $59,500 (Listing agent Greg Rapp)

1627 N. Main Street ~ this vintage American Bungalow, circa 1908-1921, and perched on its elevated lot overlooking the North Main Historic District, just exudes charm...from its deep wrap-around porch to its spacious living room...to its bright and airy kitchen.  There's lots to love about this classic bungalow home!  

MLS#58176 / $74,500 (Listing agent Greg Rapp)

131 Bank Street West ~ When it comes to historic grandeur, it's hard to beat this Queen Anne Victorian!  There are too many great features to list here, but know that this especially wonderful home was featured on Historic Salisbury Foundations OctoberTour™ just a few years ago! 

MLS#57943/ $307,000  (Listing agent Margaret Lipe)

225 Thomas Street West ~  A Classic Dutch Colonial home, built in 1922, just overflowing with character.  Over 2400 square feet of historic charm on one of the prettiest streets in Salisbury!

MLS#57638 / $175,000  (Listing agent Greg Scarborough)

206 Thomas Street West ~  Lovely 2-story brick circa 1918 Colonial Revival home is located in The Historic West Square District and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The welcoming front porch leads to the huge foyer where the handsome staircase takes you to the second floor. 

MLS#57723 / $299,800  (Listing agent Marie Leonard-Hampton)

324 Thomas Street West ~ This circa 1927Foursquare in Historic Salisbury offers timeless elegance along with modern updates and convenience, including a completely updated kitchen! Minutes to downtown, all major local thoroughfares, and I-85. 

MLS#58224 / $179,750  (Listing agent Marie Leonard-Hampton)

408 Fulton Street South ~   Pretty circa 1898 Queen Anne style home has been sensitively restored and updated for today's living.Turn-of-the-century architecture includes: wrap around porch, original Victorian trim, high ceilings, paneled doors, original moldings, bay windows, gables, built-ins, wainscoting, stained glass transom, and a lovely wide hart pine flooring. 6 fireplaces including 1 with gas logs! 

MLS#57933 / $258,900  (Listing agent Marie Leonard-Hampton)

1116 Fulton Street South ~  Look at this unique granite block 1.5 story home!  Built in the circa 1910 bungalow style, it features 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, spacious rooms, a deep front porch, and...wait for it...60 cabinets n the kitchen!! 

MLS#57109 / $150,000  (Listing agent Nancy Poe)

501 Mitchell Avenue ~ Circa 1930 Dutch Colonial in desirable Fulton Heights is a must see property!  Large room sizes with great natural light, period-style kitchen, and a wonderful private side porch off the living room with a second story balcony off the master suite!  

MLS#58131 / $200,000  (Listing agent Greg Rapp)

Connect with the agent who knows more about historic properties, the historic neighborhoods, and the ins-and-outs of preservation and restoration from the ground up....Greg Rapp / Wallace Realty. 

When you make that call/text to 704.213.6846... you'll know you've taken steps in the right direction towards your own piece of history!

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

Sold! Cute-As-A-Button Country Cottage! Tiny House Living is IN!

Tiny House Living is IN! Whether you're just starting out...or whether you've had that multi-room spread and are just READY to downsize...OR...you realize, like many, the economy of scale ~ a 'tiny house' might be just for YOU!  

Witness:
 
Greg Rapp just closed the deal on the sale of 1000 Rowan Avenue in Spencer NC. Just just under 900 square feet ~ this cozy 2-bedroom / 1-bath post-war cottage fits the bill in this era of 'tiny house' fascination or the 'less-is-more' philosophy! Not only is this sweet circa 1947 cottage charming in every way on its interior and exterior - it is also located in a country setting, but close to town and city amenities. Best of both worlds!
 
And this!

Greg Rapp sold 355 Dukeville Road ~ another circa 1941 2-bedroom ADORABLE cottage whose 1100 square feet featured a cozy kitchen with warm knotty pine walls, painted & glass cabinets, and a sweet rocking chair front porch.

This 'tiny house' was originally part of a company village for Duke Energy! 
 
Are you ready?

If you are ready for a sweet compact lifestyle unencumbered by the multi-room, 'McMansion' weight-of-the-world ~ check out 180 Zeb Street in Salisbury NC!

This rustic cottage has almost a cabin feel on the exterior, but will be a low maintenance home with its vinyl siding and almost new metal roof! (That magical sound of raindrops on a tin roof, anyone?)

180 Zeb Street, with just one bedroom & one bath and 900 square feet of living space, is the ultimate tiny home. Tucked away in what was once an old mill village near the Yadkin River, the quiet dead-end street is dotted with similarly structured homes, old growth shade trees, and surrounded with peace and quiet. 

The authentic wooden front porch, complete with porch swing, will be your favorite spring/summer/fall evening spot for sipping sweet tea and listening to the birds in the treetops...and the quiet! Ahhhhh! 

Greg has ideas on how this little 1-bedroom home could accommodate a 2nd bedroom...if you're interested! 

So... 

Whether you're ready to downsize, just starting out...or you just 

DIG the tiny house trend  ~  this cottage-style home might be just for YOU!  

Give Greg a call at 704.213.6846 to find out more ~ and to visit this cottage yourself!

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

8 reasons FSBOs should list with a Realtor

*By Bernice Ross / Inman.com / April 26, 2012

Can you explain why it’s smarter for a potential home seller to list with you, a real estate agent, as opposed to attempting a for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) deal? Showing the FSBO the value you bring to

the transaction may be much easier than you realize.

Many real estate experts thought the Internet would result in more people being able to successfully sell their home without a real estate agent.

The exact opposite has happened. According to research from the National Association of Realtors’ latest Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, FSBOs accounted for 10 percent of sales in 2011, down from 14 percent in 2003 and 2004.

Nearly half of FSBO sales were intra-family transfers or other situations where the sellers already knew the buyers. Only 6 percent of 2011 sales were FSBO transactions in which the seller did not know the buyer.

Here are some of the key factors that deter most homeowners from selling without an agent.

1. The decline of print advertising as a major lead generator
In the past, newspaper ads would produce a fair number of calls on FSBOs. Today, a three-line ad in the local newspaper has little chance of competing with the wide array of information online, including video, color photos, 360-degree virtual tours, and a wealth of community and lifestyle data.

2. Buyers seek rich content
IDX and VOW solutions, Realtor.com, Trulia and Zillow provide access to virtually all the listings in most market areas. Most buyers comb these major sites simply because it’s more efficient than searching for single properties.

3. Instant gratification
A third problem for FSBOs is that people who surf the Web usually are seeking instant gratification. In fact, most visitors will only visit a website once and stay for 15-30 seconds. If the FSBO has no strategy for capturing the lead’s contact information or for immediately following up, the lead moves on to the next website. Even if the Web lead does contact the FSBO, unless the buyer gets back to the FSBO quickly, that lead is gone.

4. Buyers want the savings
Even for those who do search for FSBOs, most buyers automatically deduct 6 percent from the sales price because they want the savings in their pockets, not the seller’s. The result is that many FSBOs end up selling for up to 20 percent less on average as compared with sellers who hire a Realtor.

5. The needle-in-the-haystack effect
A major challenge for FSBOs is the needle-in-the-haystack nature of the Web. There are millions of websites including the hundreds of thousands of company and agent sites. Without search engine optimization, meta tags and a host of other branding strategies to achieve high Web placement, the probability of the Web buyer finding the FSBO’s single listing online is small.

Of course, the buyer could post on sites such as ForSalebyOwner.com, ByOwnerMLS, or utilize the "Make Me Move" feature on Zillow. The challenge is that unless the buyer specifically wants to purchase a FSBO, it’s much more efficient to search on the brokerage or MLS sites.

The FSBO could also put his home on Craigslist. There are two challenges, however. First, the FSBO has to repost the ad regularly for it to appear near the top where it can be found. Second, there have been so many rental scams and unsavory people using that site to identify targets for possible criminal activity that listing there could be a major safety issue.

6. Web leads are reluctant to share contact information
Another issue FSBOs must face is that most Web buyers are reluctant to provide contact information to a stranger, especially during the search process. Instead, buyers identify homes they want to see and then normally contact a single agent who can show them everything they want to see, not just a single home.

7. Availability for showings
Because FSBOs don’t have lock-boxes, that means the FSBO will need to be present for every showing. There are numerous challenges with this situation, the most important of which is safety. Is the person who wants to see your house legitimate or not? Even if you accept an offer from a potential buyer, how do you know whether the person meets the income and credit requirements to close the deal?

8. The proof is in the pudding
Here’s a great closing question for sellers who believe that becoming a FSBO is a smart move. Did you know that Colby Sambrotto, founder of ForSalebyOwner.com, which is one of the most popular and robust FSBO sites on the Web, ended up listing his home with an agent AND paying a full commission?

If he couldn’t get the job done for himself using his website, how effective do you think this approach will be in getting your home sold for the highest possible price in the shortest amount of time?
The climate has never been better for prospecting FSBOs. If you haven’t considered adding this valuable niche to your business, there’s no better time than right now.  (Ross, Bernice.  April 26, 2012. Inman.com  http://www.inman.com/2012/04/26/8-reasons-fsbos-should-list-with-a-realtor/)

Maybe it's time to stop the uphill battle of trying to sell your property...all by yourself.  Connect with Greg Rapp / Wallace Realty, and get all the advantages of working with an experienced and accomplished licensed Realtor with proven marketing plans that WORK!   

704.213.6846

 

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




*Bernice Ross, CEO of RealEstateCoach.com, is a national speaker, trainer and author of the National Association of Realtors’ No. 1 best-seller, “Real Estate Dough: Your Recipe for Real Estate Success.” Hear Bernice’s five-minute daily real estate show, just named "new and notable" by iTunes, at www.RealEstateCoachRadio.com. 

A Sense of Place! Circa 1900s Bungalow in Historic North Main District - FOR SALE!

Welcome to the Kluttz House - ca. 1908 at 1627 N. Main Street - A 'Contributing Home' in the North Main Historic District. Like many of the homes along the east side of N. Main Street in Salisbury, North Carolina, it is situated on an elevated lot defined by a concrete retaining wall which gives it a special sense of place. Here is a wonderful opportunity to own a classic home in the Arts & Crafts style.

The North Main Historic inventory, conducted in 1984, states the Kluttz House was built in 1921, but local tax records show the home as being built in 1908!

The architecture is typical of one of the many forms of 1920s bungalows featuring broad, low pitched gables with exposed purlins, at the front, sides and rear, and  - one of our very favorite features ~ a deep wrapping L-shape front porch with a similar broad gable covered in asphalt siding supported by slender tapered piers set on brick bases.

Don't let the Main Street address fool you!  Once, this portion of Main Street was a heavily traveled corridor and an alternate route for Interstate traffic ~ but no longer! This handsome Craftsman, built 1908-1920s, is located on a broad but quiet, tree-lined street along the central corridor to the City of Salisbury.

This Craftsman style bungalow overlooks other period homes in the North Main Historic District from its elevated stance in the neighborhood.

The welcoming front yard is shaded by two immense maple trees that offer cooling shade to the wrapping front porch during summer temperatures, and create a grand entry from the sidewalk level to the front door flanked with sidelights.

All the simple comforts of Southern bungalow living are here in this fine example of Arts & Crafts architecture. From the spacious front porch, through the cherry-red wood screen door, you are welcomed into the large, open living room with centerpiece fireplace (unfortunately closed for use) and French doors to the formal dining room.

Note the beautiful Oak and Heart pine floors throughout this vintage home!  Its single story offers not only the broad front porch, but a gracious living room, formal dining room, kitchen with tiny butler's pantry, two bedrooms, and one full bath.

There is an unusually large walk-in closet off one bedroom, perhaps carved from an original hallway before the 'indoor plumbing' was installed in the home!  And a small laundry room off the kitchen is also the mudroom to the covered rear porch and back yard.

The bright and airy kitchen is a delight, with a small pantry for storing goodies! It has that crisp, clean balance of red and soft blue that highlights the retro (& so 'now'!) cabinetry and shelving! By balancing a deep tomato orange-red with a pale light blue, this cheerful room makes a bold statement and we think this color combo, high-contrast and strong, just rocks!

The sunny laundry room sits between the kitchen and rear bedroom and is the route to the rear covered porch.

This house offers up loads of spaciousness for entertaining, but what if you want a little time to yourself? A privacy porch can do just that - give you a relaxing nook to spend some quiet time.

A privacy porch serves up a little solitude in this busy hectic world! And how cute is this one ~ a private oasis looking out at the fenced back yard ~ made all the more charming with plants, decorative lattice panels, and landscaping.

The home's second fireplace is in the front bedroom.  Both fireplaces are sadly closed for use, but wouldn't it be nice to be able to open them up for gas-logs!

The North Main Neighborhood is a community of about 40 blocks that borders Downtown Salisbury to the south.  Two beautiful parks border the neighborhood to the west: City Park and Hurley Park. A neighborhood association works with City officials, police, and Code Enforcement routinely to ensure quality of life for its neighbors and residents. North Main is close to Salisbury's many restaurants, unique shopping, art galleries, and live theatre. Get fresh veggies at the local Farmer's Market or take in the Salisbury-Rowan Symphony at any one of its performances throughout its season. And if higher education is in your future, North Main is a stone's throw from Catawba College, Livingstone College, Pfeiffer University, and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.

Let Realtor® Greg Rapp show you this 1456 sq ft warm and inviting home ~ attractively priced at $74,500!  Greg is this area's specialist when it comes to vintage and historic homes.  No one knows them better!  And here is a wonderful opportunity to own a classic home in the Arts & Crafts style in one of the 10 historic districts in Salisbury North Carolina!  It’s not new and shiny, instead bringing a pastoral quality with its age, but it’s aging gracefully!  Call Greg Rapp/Wallace Realty today at (704) 213-6846 to create your sense of place in this rock-solid classic home!

1627 MAIN STREET NORTH 
Salisbury, NC 28144
List Price: $74,500
MLS#58176

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

Tucked Away ~ Tiny House Living! Circa 1937 Mill Cottage For Sale!

Welcome to Yadkin Heights, a sleepy little hamlet at the northernmost edge of Rowan County along the Yadkin River.  Once a mill village for the NC Finishing Plant, the sense of community here is still alive...even though the textile industry that tied the community together is gone.  For Sale:  180 Zeb Street, the cutest little mill cottage in neighborhood filled with these charming history-filled homes, where parents, grandparents, aunts & uncles, and children had all once worked for the mill.

The sale of mill villages by mill companies increased as textile plants closed over the last few decades. From 1982 to 1985 more than 10,000 North Carolina textile workers lost their jobs when sixty-seven plants closed.  Factories continued to shut down every year after that. The workers often faced hardships in finding new jobs after spending a lifetime at one job in one factory. It is a sad end to the cotton textile industry that for 100 years served as the economic foundation of North Carolina. Those who built the companies, and those who worked in this industry, have had a major impact on our state and its people.

Color-Tex International of Spencer was the last to occupy the 400,000-square-foot former N.C. Finishing Co. plant. The mill, which was demolished in late 2007, dates to 1910 and once was Rowan County's largest employer. Color-Tex was the last to occupy the buildings. About 350 jobs were eliminated when Color-Tex closed abruptly closed in 2000.

This rustic vintage mill cottage in the old mill village off US 29 north of downtown of Spencer is newly on the market! This tiny house sits in what is now the most peaceful and private hamlet and is the perfect home for the right buyer!  The once thriving mill village, called Yadkin Heights, is now a tucked-away hamlet of about 40 early 1900s homes.  Zeb Street is dotted with these mill homes of yesteryear, and their rustic charm cannot be overlooked. 

Yadkin Heights, where this turn-key home is located, is aptly named.  Just a stone's throw away is the Yadkin River...and plenty of history that goes along with it!

Within an area along a four-mile section of the Yadkin River, between present-day Salisbury and Lexington, North Carolina, and the lands adjacent to it, lies a concentration of historic features and sites reflecting over 400 years of habitation, colonization, transportation, and military use. This is the site of the old Trading Ford path that many used to travel across the river to the newly developing town of Salisbury.  Recovered artifacts indicate that Native Americans lived on this land ten thousand years ago. Archaeologists have only superficially looked for the evidences of their lives. One partial excavation, done in 1946 about four miles down-river, found evidence of a village of the Uwharrie Culture dating between 1300 and 1500 AD.  Other 'major sites' have been found.

You won't find a nicer move-in-ready house for under $40,000! The home had a new metal roof installed in 2013, and new windows and vinyl siding make this almost home maintenance free for years to come. 

This is a one bedroom house, that could be used as a 2 bedroom if one were to perhaps install a small wall to create a hallway to the bath & kitchen. (Currently, you must walk through the second bedroom to get to bathroom and kitchen).


Our favorite detail, without a doubt, is the quaint little rocking-chair front porch.  It's like a step back in time in rural North Carolina.  

(There is even a two-seater outhouse in the wooded part of the lot! But please don't have a seat!  It's seen better days!)

180 Zeb Street is turn-key and ready for move-in!  

If you're looking for a small home (just 900 square feet) with low maintenance, and you enjoy a small private community as well, this circa 1937 mill-village home in Yadkin Heights is calling your name!

Give Greg Rapp a call to see this wonderful vintage cottage for yourself:

  (704) 213-6846

 

180 ZEB STREET
Salisbury, NC 28144 
MLS#58138 
$38,500





 

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

Quality Circa 1930 Dutch Colonial ~ For Sale in Fulton Heights Neighborhood!

This circa 1930 Dutch Colonial in the desirable Fulton Heights Neighborhood of Salisbury, North Carolina is a must see property! You'll want to give Realtor Greg Rapp / Wallace Realty / 704.213.6846 a call before this one gets away!

Welcome to 501 Mitchell Avenue in Salisbury, North Carolina!

This immaculate home is set nicely back from the street with a welcoming expanse of front lawn and a gracious brick walk, flanked by twin blooming crepe myrtle trees at the steps from the sidewalk, that leads you to the front entrance with its lovely arched portico.

This Mitchell Avenue home boasts large room sizes streaming with natural light and built-in storage at every turn! For instance, you'll be enamored with large foyer with its handsome staircase, and French doors that lead on one side to the spacious nearly 25' x 13' living room, with its period fireplace and a tiled nook that the current owners are utilizing as a bar! And just look at those gleaming wood floors throughout! 

An additional set of French doors in this wonderful room lead you to the small entertainment deck overlooking the private fenced back yard, and another multi-paned door leads you to a covered side porch!

Anyone who cooks (or likes to eat!) will love the period-style kitchen in this beautiful home, with its loads of soft grey-hued cabinetry, new solid surface counters, and sparkling white subway tile back splash. The corner sink makes just so much complete sense for this often awkward area! 

A tiny butler's pantry makes for a great coffee service area!

For casual meals, the kitchen has an eat-in area with wonderful built-in banquette seating, . . . 

but the other set of French doors in the foyer takes you to the large formal dining room!


A family room/mud room/play room is steps down from the kitchen and can be accessed via the back yard. The current owners had some fun with chalkboard paint in this room, making large fun message boards out of the walls!

Upstairs you'll fall head-over-heels in love with the Master Suite! The focal point in this enormous room (24' x 13') is the vintage fireplace enclosed with built-in shelving lit with recessed wall sconces! We love it!
But wait...check out the Master Bath! Ensconced in beautiful tile work, the Master Bath features not only a tiled-in deep tub, but a large tiled walk-in shower, and a beautiful round glass vessel (bowl) sink! You'll be stocking up on bubble-bath!

Off the Master, and over the private side porch below, is a second story balcony. It just doesn't get any more charming than this! 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

501 Mitchell Avenue is in the Fulton Heights Historic District.   

The Fulton Heights Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. The Fulton Heights Historic District in Salisbury is an intact representative of a middle and upper-middle class residential neighborhood that developed in the early twentieth century. Fulton Heights is among several suburbs of North Carolina towns that emerged as an outgrowth of nationwide planning efforts such as the City Beautiful Movement. 

The neighborhood is laid out in grid-patterned streets along which houses rendered in nationally-popular styles were regularly spaced within well-landscaped yards. 

Fulton Heights is among several neighborhoods of the period in the state that boasted amenities such as a streetcar system and large park area within its boundaries. The developers of the neighborhood formed the Southern Development Company and sponsored the extension of the city's existing streetcar tracks to the neighborhood in 1904. Several streetcar suburbs emerged around the turn of the century in North Carolina's larger cities, but the streetcar line that serviced Fulton Heights in the town of Salisbury, was distinguished in that it provided direct transportation for workers commuting to the nearby Southern Railway Spencer Shops. Though the streetcar tracks that used to run down the center of Mitchell Avenue have been replaced by a landscaped median, the neighborhood still conveys a strong sense of its origins as an early twentieth century residential suburb with its varietal collection of well-maintained housing, wide avenues and generous landscaping.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This gracious Dutch Colonial at 501 Mitchell Avenue has a new roof, new HVAC, and double insulated windows - all installed in 2008.  There is a small workshop area in the basement.

The fully fenced back yard is nicely landscaped.  Huge old growth trees shade the home and yard from summer heat!

A vintage 2-car detached garage with double barn doors, showing its age - but completely salvageable - adds immense character to the property.

Don't let this one get away, make an appointment today! Call Salisbury/Rowan's expert on vintage and historic properties today: Realtor Greg Rapp (704) 213-6846

501 MITCHELL AVENUE 
Salisbury, NC 28144
MLS#58131   
List Price: $200,000

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