FIRE -“Hospitality consists in a littlefire, a little food, and immense quiet” – (Ralph Waldo Emerson) The top 3 questions we’re hearing lately are: #1,“How’s the market?” #2,“How’s the weather?” And #3,“What weekend will the leaves change?” These days, all threeanswers are a few clicks away.
Artificial Intelligence has it all. But AI can be both “artificial” and lack “intelligence.” Want the real
story? Ask a professional Real Estate Broker. There are 327of us to choose from. We know
the market, we’re experts in meteorology, and we have no clue about the leaves (but they’re turning as you read this)! Today however, we bring you a word about fireplaces. When we show property in Highlands and Cashiers the fireplace gets a ton of attention, right up there with the kitchen. A home with a great fireplace and alousy kitchen will sell, but a home with great kitchen and a lousy fireplace (or no fireplace) can be problematic. My point is thata great fireplace is in many ways the heart
 whether you’re selling or buying. So, what is it about gathering around the fire? The act of gathering around the fire dates to prehistoric times. There are proven social, psychological, and health benefits to a great fireplace. According to a University of Alabama researcher Christopher Lynn, being by the fire lowers blood pressure an average of 5%. The researchers hypothesized
that “when we sit by the fire, all of our senses become absorbed in the experience,and having a calming focus of attention helps reduce anxiety.” As to the social and familial benefits the study concluded “especially in colder climates, sitting around a fire to keep it goingis a very important job. Collecting kindling, keeping the fire stoked, cooking; all these things require the cooperation of others. Groups who are more successful at keeping the fire going would have an advantage over
groups that don’t. ”Mountain residences in Highlands and Cashiers personify the need to be close to the fire, a fact that needs to be strongly considered when buying(or selling) your property.
According to NAR sources, homes with fireplaces are valued 7% to 13% higher than those without.
Personally, there’s something about beautiful andirons and the scent-sight-sound of real wood. I
have nothing against gas log sets, many of which have an extremely authentic in look,feel, and offer no muss no fuss no mess. But I must admit there’s something Americana about heading out to the woodpile,donning leather splitting the kindling, and putting my life at risk with a long-handled axe in my hand. Hopefully, I’ve got you thinking about your fireplace, outdoor fire pit, patio, deck, or remodeling the family room (my apologiesif your budget just increased). You have amazing resources right here in Highlands and Cashiers. Google “Isokern Fireplace,” a fabulous wood-burning option for adding a
fireplace that’s engineered to draw well and not stink up the room with “smolder, soot & ashes.” The major propane suppliers in town all have the current gas log sets for you to see in action.
In closing, we hope you’ll sit by the fire this very night, pour yourself a glass of something, count your blessings, and raise a toast to Highlands, North Carolina!
• Pat and Bee Gleeson Real Estate Brokers at Christie’s International