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Our Covid-19 Numbers at Year-End
As of Wednesday, December 30th, here are our Covid-19 numbers for Haywood County.
The number of positive cases since the pandemic began is 2013. Currently there are 351 people in isolation with 26 uncooperative positive cases who may be ignoring the advice to isolate from others. (per the Waynesville Mountaineer Newspaper)
We have had 61 deaths in the county so far, many of those were residents of nursing homes.
Vaccines have arrived in the county with the first doses going to healthcare workers and first responders,
In the entire state we have had 526,000 cases of Covid-19, with 6,630 deaths. The numbers have increased dramatically since Thanksgiving. We are still under modified stay at home orders from the governor. The orders limit certain businesses and activities for all North Carolinians during overnight hours.
In order to help restaurants who are struggling the governor has authorized the delivery or carry-out of mixed beverages as an alternative to on-site consumption.
We should all be wearing masks when in public, maintaining at least 6 feet of social distancing, and washing our hands often to prevent the spread of this virus.
Wishing you all a safe and hopefully better new year!
Mortgage Rates, Home Sales and Covid-19
I seem to have a mixed bag this week. Below is an article on current mortgage rates from Realtor® Magazine.com. After the article I have our local sales results from November and lastly a local Covid-19 update.
© 3D generator – AdobeStock
Mortgage Rates Remain at Record Lows This Week
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate averaged 2.71% this week, holding at the all-time low first set last week, Freddie Mac reported.
The ultra-low mortgage rates are making homebuying more attractive and boosting sales activity to the highest level since 2006, economists said at the National Association of REALTORS®’ virtual Real Estate Forecast Summit on Thursday. While home prices are rising annually by double-digit percentages, mortgage payments remain more affordable due to low mortgage rates.
Home prices have jumped 16% compared to a year earlier, but monthly mortgage payments with 30-year fixed-rate mortgages have increased by only $10. Also, the average American is earning about $380 more per month compared to a year earlier, notes NAR researcher Nadia Evangelou at the association’s Economists’ Outlook blog.
Freddie Mac reports the following national averages with mortgage rates for the week ending Dec. 10:
- 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 2.71%, with an average 0.7 point, unchanged from last week. Last year at this time, 30-year rates averaged 3.73%.
- 15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 2.26%, with an average 0.6 point, also unchanged from last week. A year ago, 15-year rates averaged 3.19%.
- 5-year hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages: averaged 2.79%, with an average 0.3 point, falling from last week’s 2.86% average. A year ago, 5-year ARMs averaged 3.36%.
Freddie Mac reports average points along with commitment rates to better reflect the total upfront cost of obtaining a mortgage.
Covid Numbers in Haywood County
Today I wanted to take the time to give an update on Covid-19 here in Haywood County, and update everyone on current statewide restrictions.
1087 people have tested positive through Friday Nov. 27th.
849 people have recovered.
40 people have passed away.
175 are currently in isolation.
331 are currently quarantined.
Smaller outdoor venues, movie theaters, conference centers, and bars are restricted to 30% occupancy or 100 guests, whichever is less.
Mass gatherings are restricted to 10 people indoors, 50 people outdoors.
Masks are now required in all public settings, both indoors and outdoors.
Please, wear your masks, wash your hands, and social distance from others.
Remember to be kind to others, especially those front line workers in shops, restaurants and grocery stores.
Thank you.
Introducing Our Newest Agent
I wanted to tell everyone about our newest addition to the office. Brittany Heathman (Paul’s daughter) has joined the office as our newest agent. I am adding Brittany’s photo and bio below. We are all happy and excited to have Brittany working with us as she is an exceptional young lady.
“While I’m originally from Lakeland, FL, we moved to western NC when I was six. I later moved to Knoxville, TN where I went to the University of Tennessee and received a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with a minor in Biology. I also spent six years working at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in the Large Animal Department. Wanting to be closer to family I moved back to Waynesville and went to Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College where I achieved an associates in Veterinary Technology and went on to receive my license as a Veterinary Technician. After 15 years in the veterinary field, I decided to join the family business and received my Real Estate License. I currently live in Maggie Valley with my Yorkie mix, Cecil. Outside of work I enjoy snow skiing, hiking, reading, and obstacle course races. I enjoy sharing my knowledge of the area and look forward to meeting each and every one of you.”
The next time you visit our office, say “Hello” to Brittany.
Covid and Cataloochee Ski Area
Cataloochee Ski Area has announced they will be opening for the 2o20/2021 season as soon as weather permits. They are usually open sometime around Thanksgiving. Due to the Covid-19 virus, the will be enforcing masks and social distancing when indoors at the lodge for the protection of their customers and associates.
For those of you who have never skied Cataloochee before, if you will click of the below link to a YouTube video that I recorded from a helmet camera a couple of years ago while skiing with Paul. We are getting off the quad lift and skiing down Rock Island back to the lodge. I hope you enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6wTiy_VNtU&t=68s
Fall Colors and Covid-19 Update
The Fall colors have begun! From 4,000 to 6,000 feet elevations, colors are already on full display, and will be creeping down the mountains rapidly. We are already seeing beautiful color here in downtown Maggie Valley.
This is a few days old from the Haywood County NC Health and Human Services Agency. We have tested 17,265 individuals with 663 positive tests, 579 are recovered, 36 deaths, 26 cases in the last 7 days, with 28 currently in isolation and 83 in quarantine.
Just a reminder, don’t forget to get your Flu Shot! ‘Tis the season! Stay safe!
Covid-19 Update for October
As clients travel from Florida and other states to our area, I am asked about our Covid-19 restrictions. So here goes:
As of October 1st, in Haywood County, NC, we have had 618 total cases with 31 deaths. In the entire state of NC we have had 211,000 cases with 3565 deaths.
Friday, October 2nd at 5 PM, begins phase 3 of our statewide restrictions. Masks and social distancing are always required in public. The restrictions on businesses and gatherings have changed as below:
- Outdoor venues with 10,000 + capacity may operate at 7% occupancy.
- Smaller venues outdoors may operate at 30% capacity or 100 guests, whichever is less.
- Movie Theaters and Conference Centers indoors may operate at 30% capacity or 100 guests, whichever is less.
- Bars Outdoors may operate at 30% capacity or 100 guests, whichever is less.
- Amusement Parks may operate at 30% capacity on the outdoor attractions only.
- Limits on mass gatherings remain at 25 people indoors or 50 people outdoors.
- The 11PM curfew on alcohol sales for in-person consumption in restaurants & outdoor bars will be extended through October 23rd.
If you are planning a trip to our area and have questions, please call us and we will try to help. Also, it looks like we may have a beautiful fall color season this year.
Stay safe!
Covid Update for 9/14/2020
Currently our total count for Covid-19 cases in Haywood County is at 555 with 31 deaths so far.
On September 4th the governor issued a new phase of updated restrictions. This order changed to mass gathering limits to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. Playgrounds are now open to the public. Museums and aquariums to open at 50% capacity. Fitness and competitive physical activity facilities can open at 30% capacity. All employers are strongly encouraged to provide face coverings to their employees.
Bars, nightclubs, movie theaters, amusement parks, dance halls, and other entertainment facilities will remain closed. Restaurants remain subject to capacity limits and other requirements for in-person dining. Personal care businesses such as hair salons, nail salons, barber shops and more remain subject to capacity limits and other requirements. Large venues remain subject to mass gathering limits above. Wedding receptions and other private events remain subject to the mass gathering limits. Face coverings are still required in public.
Please remember to wear your face mask when in public.
Thanks and stay safe!
Covid-19 Update for 8/31/2020
Per Haywood County Health and Human Service, here are the current Covid-19 cases for Haywood County.
Total Tested- 11,053, Total Positive Tests- 498, Total Recovered- 362, Deaths- 29, Cases Last 7 Days- 21, Covid-19 Working Number- 189, Currently in Isolation- 97, Currently in Quarantine- 92.
We are still under state mandates for wearing masks when in public, and maintaining a 6 ft. individual separation when in public. High risk individuals are urged to stay at home. There is still a 10 person limit on indoor gatherings, and a 25 person on outdoor gatherings. Bars must still remain closed, but restaurants may open at 50% occupancy. Barber shops, salons and personal care businesses my open with 50% occupancy. Gyms and playgrounds must still remain closed. Visitation in long-term care facilities is not permitted.
It does seem that our curve is flattening here in the county. We are more isolated and protected than other larger population counties. Hopefully everyone will wear their masks and maintain 6 ft. separation when in public as mandated.
The phase 2 mandates are in effect until September 11th. At that time the governor will take a look at the state-wide numbers and determine whether or not to extend the phase 2 mandates.
Thank you and stay safe.
Mid-Month Covid Update
According to the Haywood County, NC Health Department, we have had 445 positive cases out of 8987 total tests. 288 have now recovered, with 19 deaths. We have had 70 new cases in the last 7 days and currently have 127 people in isolation and 228 in quarantine.
60 days ago we only had 67 cases, so we have had a large increase in the last 60 days. The governor has accordingly kept the state in Phase 2 restrictions in place until September 11th. Phase 2 has allowed restaurants to open for on-premises dining, with strict limits on occupancy. There are specific requirements for disinfection of common spaces and there must be 6 feet of separation between tables. Personal care business (barber shops, grooming, massage, and tattoo business) may also open with similar separation between customers as restaurants. Group gatherings are limited to groups of 10 indoors, and groups of 25 outdoors. Phase 2 also requires face masks to be worn in public by everyone.
Public playgrounds, bars, nightclubs, movie theaters, museums, bowling alleys, amusement parks, arcades and skating rinks must remain closed. Visitation at long-term care facilities remains restricted, except for certain compassionate care situations. Gyms, exercise facilities, fitness studios, martial arts facilities, dance studios and basketball courts remain closed.
Public health officials remind us all about the 3 W”s:
Wear a face covering,
Wash your hands for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer,
Wait 6 feet apart from other people.
Stay Safe!
