To sell without trying to, (property, not bike) UPDATE

[_Sheffjs_]

A very unique situation or opportunity happened this week. Let me back up. Sherry and I have been talking more about NC or Tennessee and the 6.5 acres we have owned since 2007 in a beautiful place called Mountain Home Arkansas as we have started to lean more towards NC lately, I suppose the influence of Big Mike and Leslie in Nantahala NC and Todd and Pennie in Fines Creak NC helped. There are so many more advantages to NC area like friends and family and the hopeful end game plans. We also listen to Patty and Eddie and others in the same mode. So back to story, we are lot 8 and the neighbor on lot 7 contacted us with a fair no realtor needed cash offer that was reasonable, out of the blue. The purchase of our lot is the only way they can double theirs, so we countered with a higher amount with out asking the moon and we are now verbally sold and they are ecstatic. So now onto a new area to look for land and we are starting with the Maryville Tennessee to Nantahala NC area but open to much more.  Now to educate ourself on the items to look out for in these areas, I suppose water supply is factor 1 at least perk testing was in Arkansas.   Any help/education, buying tips from anyone is appreciated.  

[Jess from VA]

Politics and taxes, I'd choose (eastern) TN over NC. 

Depending on politics, I may have to move out of VA to TN myself.

[Steel cowboy]

I believe the registration on your vehicle is based on year and value, check into that. Gravel roads or paved, CABLE too, don’t want dial up. Lol
Another thought to consider is property or property and house. The second one could be cheaper in the long run.
Pattis property is in Blue Ridge Georgia property out there has skyrocketed but there are deals to be had.
I love Big Mikes 100 mile views, even though I’ve never been there, the pictures are breathtaking.

[John Schmidt]

Also take a look at the tax structure. I believe NC has a personal income tax, don't know about TN. What is the sales tax impact on how you live, are there any controls over the real estate tax re. capping the annual increase. And as mentioned last but not least...the political scene in some states are so messed up I doubt I'd move there if given free housing. TN appears to be rather stable, maybe some of our resident members might chime in on that.

[_Sheffjs_]

I believe the registration on your vehicle is based on year and value, check into that. Gravel roads or paved, CABLE too, don’t want dial up. Lol
Another thought to consider is property or property and house. The second one could be cheaper in the long run.
Pattis property is in Blue Ridge Georgia property out there has skyrocketed but there are deals to be had.
I love Big Mikes 100 mile views, even though I’ve never been there, the pictures are breathtaking.

.

Property and house is so difficult to stomach, I just look at house after house and it is so far from what we want, not saying we are fancy fruffy or big, actually quite the opposite but our flavor of functional is important.

[_Sheffjs_]

Politics and taxes, I'd choose (eastern) TN over NC. 

Depending on politics, I may have to move out of VA to TN myself.

Sherry is quite adamant with TN - I just wonder if after this there will be a state that does not have state tax. Word on the street is FL is looking at state tax as we could use the Valkyrie Cottage as main res, if not, who knows. 

[Tundra]

Jerry, we have been searching for several years, still caring for parents at this point and time so not on the immediate horizon. We have moved our search out of N.C. for several reasons and have been looking in Tennessee and N.E. Georgia Mountains. We have now also included areas in Northern Alabama. I see prices, taxes, vary significantly state to state and the amenities in your tax base. I didn't want to pay taxes for other peoples kids, schools etc... although the more rural you get the less expensive it gets but one must factor the lack of services provided and emergency response time, Sheriff response time, Hospitals, Doctors which are needed more in retirement, side walks, stores and shopping etc... trying to find a nice balance and not make any costly mistakes at this point in my life. I think being self sufficient (septic, well, propane) would be nice but then I have to hope my health doesn't decline to maintain a rural property myself either.  I'm still uncertain, also considering North Florida to spare the out of state relocation fees, vehicle registration fees etc...Move into Terry's pole barn
      Lot's to ponder for certain, wish you sound judgement in your decision.

[_Sheffjs_]

Jerry, we have been searching for several years, still caring for parents at this point and time so not on the immediate horizon. We have moved our search out of N.C. for several reasons and have been looking in Tennessee and N.E. Georgia Mountains. We have now also included areas in Northern Alabama. I see prices, taxes, vary significantly state to state and the amenities in your tax base. I didn't want to pay taxes for other peoples kids, schools etc... although the more rural you get the less expensive it gets but one must factor the lack of services provided and emergency response time, Sheriff response time, Hospitals, Doctors which are needed more in retirement, side walks, stores and shopping etc... trying to find a nice balance and not make any costly mistakes at this point in my life. I think being self sufficient (septic, well, propane) would be nice but then I have to hope my health doesn't decline to maintain a rural property myself either.  I'm still uncertain, also considering North Florida to spare the out of state relocation fees, vehicle registration fees etc...Move into Terry's pole barn
      Lot's to ponder for certain, wish you sound judgement in your decision.

. Thanks Doug for good insight, northern Florida would be nice but......... I have to live somewhere where I can ignore hurricanes period and have a safe room in the new house for twisters.    Maryville Tennessee is where Sherry is strongly suggesting.

[Tundra]

"Maryville Tennessee is where Sherry is strongly suggesting."

Happy Wife, Happy life
  I do remember someone telling me to research the water supply and water quality in Tennessee as it varies by location. I cannot vouch for the validity of that statement but worth researching if relocating.
I could easily relocate to several areas in the Great State of Tennessee. CU there.

[Jess from VA]

It's been a while since I looked closely at taxes, but at least historically, TN had a big sales tax, but not big income or property taxes.  I think TN did not tax retirement or SS income.  Most older folks that buy their big ticket items during their working years, are not badly affected by sales tax for the sox and underwear and other small ticket items they routinely need.  

After attending the Johnson City Inzane (and surrounding area), that has always been my focus in TN.

Like Doug (Tundra) points out, I have also changed my mind about a final home too.  I always wanted a bit of acreage out in the boonies, so I could shoot my rifles off the back deck.  But now I an thinking I don't want a well or a septic tank or a dish or a 40 minute drive for groceries, I want city water and sewer, Verizon, a lumber yard or Home depot, and a doctor or dentist close by.  So a home on the periphery of a small-medium town would fit me best these days.  And selection and price will be better in that kind of area, than acceptable acreage and a house standing alone out in the sticks too.

Also, I am never buying a house again that takes constant and never ending repairs and fixes.  I've been doing that for 30 years.  I want a used home that is mostly already fixed, and all on one floor, and a garage.  

[Tundra]

It's been a while since I looked closely at taxes, but at least historically, TN had a big sales tax, but not big income or property taxes.  I think TN did not tax retirement or SS income.  Most older folks that buy their big ticket items during their working years, are not badly affected by sales tax for the sox and underwear and other small ticket items they routinely need. 

After attending the Johnson City Inzane (and surrounding area), that has always been my focus in TN.

Like Doug (Tundra) points out, I have also changed my mind about a final home too.  I always wanted a bit of acreage out in the boonies, so I could shoot my rifles off the back deck.  But now I an thinking I don't want a well or a septic tank or a dish or a 40 minute drive for groceries, I want city water and sewer, Verizon, a lumber yard or Home depot, and a doctor or dentist close by.  So a home on the periphery of a small-medium town would fit me best these days.  And selection and price will be better in that kind of area, than acceptable acreage and a house standing alone out in the sticks too.

Also, I am never buying a house again that takes constant and never ending repairs and fixes.  I've been doing that for 30 years.  I want a used home that is mostly already fixed, and all on one floor, and a garage. 

Hi Jess,
Absolutely concur with you,  Andrea said, "Is that the same Jess I got my boots and gloves from?" "Tell him hi for me"
She has maintained and oiled them, in the same perfect condition received many moons ago.

[Jess from VA]

Hi back at you (and Andrea) Doug.  All those good magazines you sent are full and still work well too.   

You know, it took me years of giving away and selling all the stuff the ex left behind.  Glad someone got the use of it.  It's hard getting rid of size 4/6 stuff (except maybe HS girls, who I don't hang out with). 

[Pappy!]

We have also been looking. Tennesseee is not out of the question but more and more we have been looking in Northern Florida in the Panhandle area. Not on the coast but far enough inland to shield the worst of the occasional big storms. Close enough to the mountains as well.

[Thunderbolt]

A friend and fellow Amateur Radio operator did the research a few years ago.  He lived in the Tallahassee area before moving to Eastern Tn.  He said the taxes were the big determining factor for them.  They bought a small piece of property where they could park their motorhome that had power,water, and septic until they could build.
Doug you may as well come live in that pole barn in our 5th wheel now as with the stay at home orders it is parked until they release us to roll.  We have thought several times that it would be really nice to have a place somewhere in the mountains that had water,electric, and septic so we could park the 5th wheel when it was too hot here in dear old Fl.

[Tundra]

A friend and fellow Amateur Radio operator did the research a few years ago.  He lived in the Tallahassee area before moving to Eastern Tn.  He said the taxes were the big determining factor for them.  They bought a small piece of property where they could park their motorhome that had power,water, and septic until they could build.
Doug you may as well come live in that pole barn in our 5th wheel now as with the stay at home orders it is parked until they release us to roll.  We have thought several times that it would be really nice to have a place somewhere in the mountains that had water,electric, and septic so we could park the 5th wheel when it was too hot here in dear old Fl.

Hi Terry, would love to wake up seeing those tall pines and some cowboy coffee.
Nice to hear from you, hope you and Iris are doing well.

[Farside]

Jerry & Sherry,  Love the idea of TN, NC possibility. I'd like to come visit maybe a Zhills type gathtering?  No doubt the mountains are beautiful and l love the roads. I can stand the cold cause it doesn't last too long. Good luck with your decision. Exciting times! 
 

We have also been looking. Tennesseee is not out of the question but more and more we have been looking in Northern Florida in the Panhandle area. Not on the coast but far enough inland to shield the worst of the occasional big storms. Close enough to the mountains as well.

Casey,
 The pan-handle is a beautiful area.  I grew up in Tallahassee and still have family there. I'm in Milton as you know and go to Tallahassee often, 2 1/2 hour ride away. If you'd like to ever discuss let me know. North, NE, East over Perry, Live Oak is to me some really lovely area rarely touched by hurricane winds. Good roads and Tallahassee has 2 good hospitals. I just rode over this week had a beautiful ride back to Milton. The canopy roads, somewhat hilly area; known that way by those that know FL is flat.

[_Sheffjs_]

Jerry & Sherry,  Love the idea of TN, NC possibility. I'd like to come visit maybe a Zhills type gathtering?  No doubt the mountains are beautiful and l love the roads. I can stand the cold cause it doesn't last too long. Good luck with your decision. Exciting times! 
 

Great idea!  We make sure we have a shed with shower, toilet and separate sleeping sheds, y’all come on up for a Valk party.   

[98valk]

https://www.kiplinger.com/tool/retirement/T055-S001-state-by-state-guide-to-taxes-on-retirees/index.php

Click on any state in the map below for a detailed summary of taxes on retirement income, property and purchases, as well as special tax breaks for seniors.

[Valkahuna]

Hi Sherry & Jerry,

Both either NC or TN sure have some beautiful spots in and near the mountains. As for taxes though, be sure to check not just what the states have, but equally important are municipal taxes. There are communities in TN that make you want to get the map out to be sure that you are really in TN.

From personal experience I can tell you that as Vivian and I aged, the things that mattered to you changed a lot. We went from "lots of land with woods", to "large Homes with lots of land and privacy", to "large homes with amenities, city water and sewer, paved roads, trash pick-up, easy access to airports, and taxes favorable to retired folks. Its a moving target for a good part of your life.

No one place will be perfect, and they all have their own charm.The thing about taxes is that although they may change, it's usually not in your favor. I can always travel to some place with nice motorcycling roads, and woods, but home is always home.

[Bronxboy]

OK so Tenn It is, let's try and be within riding distance of each other  The final chapter, geezers on the Mountain. Not worried about food, Sherry and I will cook, maybe we find a large compound 

Funny how everyone is looking or already has property. I thought this was my last move, but I cant get enough of the NC/Tenn area 

[Pete]

While NC and GA have some great properties the tax issues are definitely a problem.

i currently live in TN, no income tax, 9.75 percent sales tax, about $1300 tax per $250,000 property evaluation, about $25 vehicle tag per year or $32 for one time antique tag.

I live in a small, lightly populated county about 40 miles from Chattanooga, very rural but I have city water, natural gas, cell and land line phone service, satellite TV, 7 to 9 miles to groceries/gas/restaurants, 3 miles to a new Dollar General store, 7 miles to a hospital with emergency service and helicopter access to larger medical services. I am on a septic tank but in 17 years no issues (300 ft field line).

No hurricane or tornado hits in the county in memory (20 plus years). 

1 to 1.5 miles to the Tennessee river in any direction for boating or fishing. Mountains to the east and west 10 to 40 miles. Great roads to ride in almost any direction. There is no month in which there are not some good days to ride.

The down side 50 to 55 inches or rain and a long growing season means grass to mow most weeks from March to November. Some cold in December to February and some hot in July and August.

So look around it is here in east Tennessee.

[_Sheffjs_]

While NC and GA have some great properties the tax issues are definitely a problem.

i currently live in TN, no income tax, 9.75 percent sales tax, about $1300 tax per $250,000 property evaluation, about $25 vehicle tag per year or $32 for one time antique tag.

I live in a small, lightly populated county about 40 miles from Chattanooga, very rural but I have city water, natural gas, cell and land line phone service, satellite TV, 7 to 9 miles to groceries/gas/restaurants, 3 miles to a new Dollar General store, 7 miles to a hospital with emergency service and helicopter access to larger medical services. I am on a septic tank but in 17 years no issues (300 ft field line).

No hurricane or tornado hits in the county in memory (20 plus years). 

1 to 1.5 miles to the Tennessee river in any direction for boating or fishing. Mountains to the east and west 10 to 40 miles. Great roads to ride in almost any direction. There is no month in which there are not some good days to ride.

The down side 50 to 55 inches or rain and a long growing season means grass to mow most weeks from March to November. Some cold in December to February and some hot in July and August.

So look around it is here in east Tennessee.

So now the wife says, see I was right.

[thewoodman]

Jerry: I Just caught this thread and would vote for TN for the same reasons previously stated. We looked for a second place for a few years and found the TN was 30-35 less expensive to buy and own then NC ( we have friend who own 4 places in Robbinsville, NC. We recently sold Stoneybrook Cottage after 16 years of enjoyment because managing a vacation home and rental unit from 700 miles away became more work than I wanted to endure. We want to expand our travel and recreational opportunities in the coming years. Good luck in your upcoming adventures. Maryville and Townsend areas are great places to look, so, have at it.

[_Sheffjs_]

Jerry: I Just caught this thread and would vote for TN for the same reasons previously stated. We looked for a second place for a few years and found the TN was 30-35 less expensive to buy and own then NC ( we have friend who own 4 places in Robbinsville, NC. We recently sold Stoneybrook Cottage after 16 years of enjoyment because managing a vacation home and rental unit from 700 miles away became more work than I wanted to endure. We want to expand our travel and recreational opportunities in the coming years. Good luck in your upcoming adventures. Maryville and Townsend areas are great places to look, so, have at it.

    Now for the CCP Amoebas to go away so we can take a trip up. 

[_Sheffjs_]

Well this recent trip to NC was a great, spending time with Mike and Leslie at walker mountain and Todd and Pennie in Fines Creek near the Rattler 209.  And we found near the top of a hill a beautiful 1.54 acre lot and negotiated a price, just need to perc and we are refocused for a retirement spot in Sylva NC.   I’m sure we will avoid Both types of bad storms here.   Easy paved access to the lot and near by shopping for Sherry and we are good. Underground utilities as well. Got some Goldwing time in as well as off roading on KLR 650s.    

   More pics of the trip in a slide show.  Todd on the KLR trip.  That rocked https://s1370.photobucket.com/user/EBeybuzzard/slideshow/Sylva

The Bus is Todd and Pennies new Air BnB on their land. Todd still has his Interstate and they lead us on a great ride day up to Tennessee and around.  107 sure was a nice ride!  


https://m.facebook.com/bearwallrbus/?_rdr


If you don’t do Facebook then here.  https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/33658189

[pocket aces]

Awesome Congrats Jerry n Sherry!!
Pizza Party in Sylva, Nc   

[Flrider]

Congrats, looks like everything is lining up for the near future mountain life 

[sixlow]

Great location,  congratulations.   

[ridingron]

  The Bus is Todd and Pennies new Air BnB on their land. Todd still has his Interstate and they lead us on a great ride day up to Tennessee and around.  107 sure was a nice ride! 

You talking about 107 in NC near Sylva?  Yeah, it's a good one!! Did you try 215? It's right in that area.

[Steel cowboy]

Looks great guys, you got some great views there. Have you thought of the type of home you want to build. Log or lumber ?

[_Sheffjs_]

Looks great guys, you got some great views there. Have you thought of the type of home you want to build. Log or lumber ?

.     We want a normal type home but some A type taller window facing out. 

[OnaWingandaPrayer]

  Enjoy the mountains . Endless hills and curves to carve . Not to mention a bit nicer temps most of the time.

 Is Sylva one end of the tourist trains ?

[Pappy!]

Way to go!! Very happy for you guys!
What's the elevation at the lot?

[_Sheffjs_]

Enjoy the mountains . Endless hills and curves to carve . Not to mention a bit nicer temps most of the time.

 Is Sylva one end of the tourist trains ?

. I believe Bryson City 25 minutes to the West

[_Sheffjs_]

Way to go!! Very happy for you guys!
What's the elevation at the lot?

2400 ish

[flsix]

That's great Jerry. Sure is a nice area.

[Flrider]

Looks great guys, you got some great views there. Have you thought of the type of home you want to build. Log or lumber ?

.     We want a normal type home but some A type taller window facing out. 

Don't forget about the man cave, bikes got to stay warm and safe

[GRCTAMPA]

Congratulations! Hope you and Sherry enjoy many happy years  there. Look forward to a BBQ someday!

[_Sheffjs_]

  The Bus is Todd and Pennies new Air BnB on their land. Todd still has his Interstate and they lead us on a great ride day up to Tennessee and around.  107 sure was a nice ride! 

You talking about 107 in NC near Sylva?  Yeah, it's a good one!! Did you try 215? It's right in that area.

did not find 215 so on the list it goes. 

[Bighead]

Congrats J&S Sylva is a nice area I have ridden that area many times.