Any advice for a new resident. (High Point, Murphy: real estate, appliances, house)

[StereoGuy316]

Hello all, I just bought a second home in Murphy NC and I can't wait to start relaxing. Actually my closing is today. I will be making my first real visit in about 3 weeks to start buying furniture and stuff. Is there any advice from anyone out there on anything. I just want to hear about problems that some might have had so that I can prepare myself. Thanks All, Doug

[friendnc]

That's actually one of the most beautiful areas in the country. The only negative I could think of is the isolation of Murphy. It's WAY out from everywhere. But some people really want and enjoy that, so if that's not an issue with you, you've picked a wonderful area. Congrats and good luck!!

[liveInNC]

Originally Posted by StereoGuy316

Hello all, I just bought a second home in Murphy NC and I can't wait to start relaxing. Actually my closing is today. I will be making my first real visit in about 3 weeks to start buying furniture and stuff. Is there any advice from anyone out there on anything. I just want to hear about problems that some might have had so that I can prepare myself. Thanks All, Doug

You're hitting NC at just about the exact right time to buy furniture. This week is the Furniture Market (the bi-yearly furniture trade show). A few weeks after market there are lots of really good deals on furniture, as many of the dealers sell off the furniture in the showroom as it's cheaper for them to sell it at cost than to ship it back. Take a drive to High Point and you'll be sure to find many places selling good quality furniture at decent prices.

[mm34b]

It would be a good idea to get someone you trust to watch your place since it's a second home. The local criminal element knows who the part-timers are and will take advantage of it if they know the home is not occupied for long periods of time. They like new washer/dryers, stoves, refrigerators, home entertainment items and furniture.

[StereoGuy316]

I've heard about getting someone to watch the place, but I'm not sure what that means. Do I get someone to just stop by once a week and stick there head in or should I have someone doing maintenance. My place is less than a year old so all appliances will be new. I've thought about putting a web cam in the place so that I could watch it from home. What do you think would be the best deterrent. Thank You, Doug

[StereoGuy316]

It's isolation is the exact reason I chose it.

[mm34b]

I was thinking of a neighbor, close friend or trustworthy high school kid just checking the doors and windows periodcally and to keep an eye out for strange vehicles or activity on the property. You also might want to have someone enter the house every once in a while to check for broken or frozen pipes, leaky water heater and running toilets.

[mm_mary73]

Originally Posted by StereoGuy316

Hello all, I just bought a second home in Murphy NC and I can't wait to start relaxing. Actually my closing is today. I will be making my first real visit in about 3 weeks to start buying furniture and stuff. Is there any advice from anyone out there on anything. I just want to hear about problems that some might have had so that I can prepare myself. Thanks All, Doug

#1. Be very careful what unpaved driveways you drive down or walk down -
not saying that people aren't nice but ....... (very serious)

#2. We don't care how you do things where you came / come from; you're here - relax.

#3. Do I get someone to just stop by once a week and stick there head in or should I have someone doing maintenance. Both, but be sure they're trustworthy.

You're at the western most tip of the state (... "from Murphy to Manteo..." as our state advertises to the rest of the world) and there are mountain people there who value their privacy highly. Beautiful, beautiful country tho and where we call the Southern spine of the Appalachains - not much snow .
Y'all be sweet!

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by mm_mary73

#1. Be very careful what unpaved driveways you drive down or walk down -
not saying that people aren't nice but ....... (very serious)

#2. We don't care how you do things where you came / come from; you're here - relax.

#3. Do I get someone to just stop by once a week and stick there head in or should I have someone doing maintenance. Both, but be sure they're trustworthy.

You're at the western most tip of the state (... "from Murphy to Manteo..." as our state advertises to the rest of the world) and there are mountain people there who value their privacy highly. Beautiful, beautiful country tho and where we call the Southern spine of the Appalachains - not much snow .
Y'all be sweet!

Well, Murphy is the community in which the bomber Eric Rudolph was able to hide in for 5 years before finally being caught. A resident there was actually quoted as saying "he hadn't hurt anybody around here so we weren't worried about him hiding nearby". So take seriously the warning about not treading where you don't belong - these folks are known for their desire for privacy.

[StereoGuy316]

The only reason I bought the place was for piece and quite. I love that I can stop in a store and chat it up a while with the clerk. I will watch where I go and respect others privacy. I was thinking of getting a few 4-wheelers for some off road fun. How can I be sure that I'm not trespassing? Are there trails around or do you just take off in the woods. I want to respect the locals, there what makes the place so nice. My real estate agent offered to look after my place (for a price) since she is the only person I know up there I guess I'll use her.