McDowell County Board of REALTORS® - June Meeting Recap

We had a full house and a fantastic meeting this month, with lots of valuable information, updates, and a little fun along the way!

Guest Speaker: Woody Ayers, City Manager

City Manager Woody Ayers spoke about the city’s upcoming budget. A few important takeaways:

• Water and sewer funds must remain separate from other city funds and are managed like a business.

• There will be no property tax increases this year.

• Garbage, water, and sewer rates will increase slightly.

Retail Sales Data

• Spring sales are slightly down, reflecting global uncertainty.

• Restaurant revenue is currently leading all retail categories in growth.

• From 2005 to 2024, retail sales in McDowell County increased by 178%, compared to 133% across North Carolina.

City Population and Rate Comparison

Attendees received a handout comparing Marion’s population, taxes, water/sewer rates, garbage fees, and other charges to nearby cities including Black Mountain, Forest City, and Lenoir. These figures are based on the most recent full-year data and show a slight decrease in Marion’s city-limit population.

If you missed the meeting and would like a copy of the handout, contact Megan and she’ll be happy to provide it.

Economic and Development Updates

• Drexel Site: Final stages of cleanup are underway. The city expects to list it soon as a mixed-use development.

• Freedom Life Ministries: Will build 44 apartments off Highway 70 East, just outside city limits. This project is supported by ARC grant funding.

Board Business and Community Updates

REALTOR Give Back Event

Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent trash pick-up. Your time and effort are appreciated.

Scam Alert

Several members have reported suspicious sellers claiming to own local property while residing out of town. If something feels off:

• Trust your instincts.

• Use the free Forwarn app available to REALTORS®.

• Request video verification (such as a FaceTime call) or ask for a picture holding a photo ID or notarized documents.

• Share any scams with Megan so we can warn others.

Community Involvement Opportunities

West Marion Juneteenth Festival

Date: Saturday, June 21 Time: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Location: West Marion Park

We are sponsoring a table and need volunteers to help in one-hour shifts beginning at 2:00 PM. If you can volunteer, contact Megan to sign up.

Livermush Festival Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies

Celebrate McDowell County's resilience after Hurricane Helene:

• Old Fort Ceremony: 10:30 AM, Saturday morning

• Marion Ribbon Cutting: 5:00 PM, Saturday during the Livermush Festival

Let’s come together and support the county’s continued renewal.

Scholarship Announcement

We had four scholarship applicants this year. A $2,000 award will be presented on June 4 to one deserving student attending McDowell Tech.

RPAC and Lockbox Updates

• RPAC fundraising is $1,767 shy of the annual goal.

• Lockbox program is $1,565 short of goal.

Professional Reminders

• Continuing Education (CE) is due by June 10.

• Broker and Firm License Renewals are due by June 30.

  • Brokers-in-charge should verify all agents have completed their CE requirements.

• NC REALTORS Form Changes go into effect July 1.

  • On June 3, members received an email from NC REALTORS with links to updated forms.

  • A virtual update session hosted by John Wait will be held on June 17 at 1:00 PM. A link to attend is included in the same email.

Member Recognition and Announcements

• Agent Spotlight: Steve Jones, Joanne Howle Realty brokered by eXp Realty.

• Recognition: Jacque Mentink shared the story of her toughest transaction in 25 years and recognized Kevin Proctor of Realty 1 Group for his extraordinary dedication. Kevin was awarded a trophy for his effort.

  

  
  

• Let’s Mix It Up: Brandon Braswell sat at a different table to connect with new people. Let’s all do the same in August and get to know someone outside our office group.

Prizes and Acknowledgments

50/50 Drawing Winner:Lexie Peterson, guest of J Peterson Realty & Associates

Door Prize Winners:

• Melissa Biddix, ERA LivMoore (donated by Realty 1)

• Chelsi Mentink-Poteat, ERA LivMoore (donated by ReMax)

• Emilie Burgin, ERA LivMoore (donated by Steve Jones)

• Jannell Peterson, J Peterson Realty & Associates (donated by the Board)

Lender Info

Movement Mortgage provided brochures about the 203(h) Disaster Relief Loan Program, which may benefit those affected by Hurricane Helene. This program is available through most lenders—reach out to your preferred mortgage professional for more information.

Lunch and Looking Ahead

Lunch was provided by J Hartman's. Attendees may be interested to know that a new caterer is scheduled for August's meeting—but you'll have to join us to find out who it is!

There will be no July meeting due to the holiday. We look forward to seeing everyone in August.

If you have questions about any of the topics above, please reach out to Megan.Thanks to all who attended and continue to support our REALTOR® community!