Real Estate Professional Network

FRANKLIN NC REAL ESTATE AGENT...TO SMOKE, OR NOT TO SMOKE.... WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

By John Becker / Bald Head

Almost 1 year ago, the state of North Carolina followed suit with some other states to institute a law that would prohibit smoking in public places and places of employment.

As a weekend warrior drummer and former "smoker" from Franklin NC, I began to see the effect of this law when playing in night clubs on the weekends. I suddenly realized that my eyes were'nt burning while I was playing, and I could actually see across the room because there was no "Smoker's FOG". Patrons in the club looked strange without their usual "smoke halos" and no cigs in their hands. It was an amazing site to behold... Usually the band plays 40-45 minutes and then a break... In the past I would make a B-Line for the front door to get some fresh air, but now I noticed that when I sat outside there would be multitudes of patrons standing outside the club smoking their heads off, and I was choking to death! It was actually cleaner INSIDE the establishment!

The new law bans smoking in nearly all restaurants and bars. Private clubs and cigar bars are exempted from the no-smoking restrictions. Proponents say the law will protect people from the adverse health effects of second-hand smoke, while critics say the ban infringes on smokers' rights and the rights of business owners to control what activities go on inside their establishments. More about the law here.

I have to admit that I love the effect of the new laws, but I don't agree with them either. Especially in light of the fact that the States love to TAX the users of tobacco no matter what they deem as harmful. The governace still wants Smokers' money and all the while restricting their rights.. It just isn't kosher if you catch my drift. Smoking should either be against the law in total, or not. And the same philosophy would apply to numerous other vices that our society enjoys. So I would say "smoking" will never be against the law, only regulated to the hilt so as to fuel bigger government. More on that in a different blog...

WHAT DOES ALL THIS HAVE TO DO WITH REAL ESTATE AGENTS IN FRANKLIN NC?

With all new laws come a wave of litigation by people who have their own interpretation of what the law actually means. We live in a litiguous society in which people are quick to go to
court over actions they deem to be unlawful. See the story below.

SUIT OVER SECOND HAND SMOKE TARGETS REAL ESTATE BROKER

A Massachusetts woman is suing her real estate broker over exposure to second-hand smoke in her condo, which the broker helped her purchase. These days a real estate broker who is also a "smoker" can get into hot water easier than one who doesn't smoke. Imagine being sued by a client who rides in your car because you "lit up"? Or being sued by a client because you smoked while showing a vacant home? There are many other scenarios where you could subject your client to 2nd Hand Smoke and end up in a law suit. And what about the sale of a "Smokers' Home" could this now become a bone of contention in a legal sense. "Full Disclosure"?? Just food for thought don't you think?

10 Tips For Getting Rid Of Smoking Odors Before Listing Your Home

By Michelle Minch

As a professional home stager, one of the questions I am most frequently asked by real estate listing agents is, "how do we get rid of the smell of cigarette smoke and nicotine stains on the walls and cabinets of my listing?" This is an important and necessary step when preparing a home to sell. Often the resident smokers are not aware of how strong the odor is, nor how much it may negatively impact the sale of their home. Homes that smell of smoke (or other strong odors) usually stay on the market longer and sell for a lower price. Smoking odors, be it from cigarettes, cigars, or pipes is insidious and very difficult to get rid of. It seeps into the smallest cracks and crevices. It saturates upholstery batting, stuffing and cushions. It infiltrates carpet padding. Smoke odors may trigger allergic reactions or asthma attacks in sensitive people who may be considering purchasing a home. SEE THE 10 Tips Here

I trust this article will give you some things to think about and improve... Feel free to pass the information on to your SMOKING SELLERS & BUYERS.... And remember, the best position as regards smoking is to "JUST DON'T DO IT"...

Macon County NC Real Estate with Specialty in Franklin & Otto
"Offering Solutions to My Clients"
our gateway to Paradise in the Smokey Mountains of Franklin, NC. John Becker / Bald Head, provides a superior level of informed, professional real estate service to Buyers and Sellers. You can obtain any information you require in order to make an informed purchase regarding Franklin NC Homes for Sale and Franklin NC Properties for Sale with John Becker at Exit Smokey Mountain Realty. Call 828-506-3719..