Carl Beardsworth has always had a passion for helping people. This passion led him to getting his real estate license in 2017 with the goal of assisting buyers in the American dream of owning their own home.  After a few years in the business Carl became frustrated with the difficulties of obtaining a loan for many lower income borrowers and felt he could make a bigger difference as a loan broker educating and working tirelessly to provide the funding so desperately needed to these hardworking buyers.  Unfortunately as the pandemic wore on an affordability crisis began to take shape.  The lack of available homes in our area led to dramatic pricing increases and that same American dream again became out of reach to many buyers.  Frustrated in his role as a mortgage broker Carl has decided to reenter the housing market as a real estate agent with the goal of creating workforce housing for our teachers firefighters policemen nurses and so many other underappreciated members of our workforce that make this country go.  Carl has identified the biggest need in Burke county just west of Hickory and has hit the ground running beginning with phase 1 of solving this crisis.  Phase 1 entails bringing more buildable land to the market and courting builders who also share a passion for workforce housing.  This process will take time with multiple phases needed to solve this crisis But he expects to have several hundred acres online within the next several weeks.  Please read more below about the crisis and how you as a landowner or builder can help solve the problem.    Burke County Housing Needs Assessment - 2023 Insights and Recommendations Burke County, North Carolina, has experienced significant demographic and economic shifts over recent years, creating unique housing needs. In a comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment conducted by Bowen National Research, key insights were identified, pinpointing current and future housing challenges and opportunities in the county. Here’s an overview of the findings and recommended strategies to address Burke County’s housing needs. Demographics and Population Trends Between 2010 and 2020, Burke County's population slightly decreased, contrasting with North Carolina's overall growth. However, a modest increase of 0.6% was recorded from 2020 to 2023. Looking ahead to 2028, the county expects a 1% population rise, with a significant increase in senior households projected. Notably, over half of all households in Burke County are senior-led, pointing to a growing demand for senior-oriented housing options. Economic Landscape Burke County’s economy is heavily influenced by the manufacturing and healthcare sectors, providing essential employment opportunities. However, many workers face housing affordability issues due to lower wages compared to state averages. With an estimated 14,000 individuals commuting to the county daily for work, the demand for affordable, local housing remains high. Housing Supply and Affordability The county has limited availability in both rental and for-sale housing markets: Rental Market: With a high occupancy rate of 97.3%, vacancy in rental units is minimal, leading to increased rental costs. Since 2018, rental rates for common unit types have risen between 76% and 140%, with the largest gaps in affordable units priced below $891/month. For-Sale Market: Burke County’s housing inventory has decreased by almost half since 2018, resulting in a market with only 1.7 months of available inventory, well below the healthy range of 4–6 months. This low supply has pushed median home prices up by over 60% since 2019, reducing the availability of affordable options, particularly for first-time homebuyers. Community Feedback on Housing Needs The report’s community engagement found widespread concerns about affordability and availability: Stakeholders highlighted the need for affordable workforce housing and targeted solutions for single professionals and young families. Employers noted that housing challenges impede staffing, increase costs, and hinder expansion efforts. Residents and Commuters expressed dissatisfaction with the local market’s limited options and high prices. Developers cited barriers such as financing, high labor/material costs, and zoning restrictions, limiting new construction. Identified Housing Gaps To address current and future needs, the study estimates a five-year housing gap of 4,822 units across rental and for-sale markets, with specific shortfalls in lower-cost rental housing and moderately priced for-sale homes. Meeting these demands will require both policy adjustments and development incentives to encourage affordable housing projects. Recommended Strategies for Burke County The Housing Needs Assessment offers several strategic recommendations: Set Clear Goals and Prioritize Action: The county should establish short- and long-term housing goals, focusing on policies to support new developments and affordable housing initiatives. Establish a Housing Committee: A committee or dedicated housing director could provide ongoing oversight and help implement the county’s housing policies and programs. Encourage Senior-Oriented Housing: Given the county’s aging population, senior-oriented housing—including affordable rentals and independent living options—should be prioritized. Policy Adjustments and Incentives: Burke County can promote development by modifying density regulations, waiving certain fees, and supporting low-income housing programs. Enhance Community Education and Outreach: Educating residents, stakeholders, and potential developers about housing programs and incentives can foster community support for affordable housing solutions. Explore Partnerships: Collaborating with nonprofits, private developers, and local businesses could improve housing access and affordability. Burke County’s path to addressing its housing needs lies in a proactive approach, engaging stakeholders, and creating a supportive environment for new housing developments. By following these insights and recommendations, Burke County can improve housing options, making it a more accessible and thriving community for current and future residents. To work with Carl Beardsworth call (919) 616-1742

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Meet Elizabeth Franklin! Elizabeth Franklin has lived in Catawba County since 2002 and is proud to call this area home. She loves the small-town feel, yet the fact that there are still so many incredible amenities at her fingertips. Elizabeth and her husband have 2 children and 5 beautiful granddaughters. In her free time, she enjoys walking, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family and granddaughters. A fun fact you may not know about Elizabeth is that she worked as a clown in college! When asked what she’d be doing if she didn’t have a career in real estate, she mentioned she would be working for a nonprofit organization or become more involved in marketing and writing. What she loves about her role as an Executive Broker is the opportunity to help people fulfill their goals and dreams. Elizabeth holds designations such as the Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI), Realtor's Commitment to Excellence (C2EX), and Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) and is committed to staying at the forefront of industry standards and best practices. Her dedication to excellence has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Executive Club Award (top 10% of firm) and the Realty Executives 100% Award for outstanding achievement and service. Beyond real estate, Elizabeth is actively involved in the community, serving on the Catawba Valley YMCA Corporate Board, the March of Dimes Signature Chef's Auction Committee, the City of Claremont Planning Board, the Christ Church Care Team, and the Christ Church Children's Ministry, and volunteering for various local organizations. Elizabeth prides herself on being dedicated to every client and acts with integrity, compassion and excellence. She wants to make your home buying or selling experience as timely and stress free as possible and secure the most favorable terms for you! To work with Elizabeth Franklin call: 828-851-1372   Q & A with Elizabeth Q: What do you like best about living here in the Catawba Valley area? A: I love the small town feel with amenities   Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time? A: Walking, reading, traveling, and spending time with my granddaughters – all 5 of them!   Q: What would you be doing if you were not helping people buy or sell homes? A: Working for a nonprofit organization / marketing / writing   Q: If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? A: Give some money away to charity and family – then travel!   Q: If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? A: Not sure – maybe learn to not worry so much   Q: What do you love most about your job? A: The opportunity to help people fulfill their goals and dreams   Q: What is a dream that you want to make come true one day? A: Having time to travel and relax   Q: Who are some of your biggest influences? A: My parents, my husband and Princess Di   Q: Where do you see yourself in five years? A: Helping people buy and sell real estate   Q: What’s your favorite type of food or cuisine? A: American   Q: If you could pick any superpower, what would it be? A: To have wisdom and discernment   Q: If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why? A: Anywhere tropical! Europe and especially London!   Q: What is something no one knows about you? A: I worked as a clown in college   Q: What’s your favorite company/ business/ organization in town or nearby? Why? A: Christ Church   Check out our newest listings!

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Wednesday, November 1 2pm-3pm | Uke Skywalkers Ensemble @ the Hickory Music Factory _________________________________________________________________________________________ Friday, November 3 7:30pm | Eddie Montgomery @ the Newton Performing Arts Center _________________________________________________________________________________________ Saturday, November 4 10am - 1pm | Downtown Hickory Farmers’ Market 6pm - 9pm | Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift @ Drendel Auditorium 7:30pm | The Kings of Queen @ the Newton Performing Arts Center 7:30pm | Sierra Hull with Justin Moses @ the JE Broyhill Civic Center _________________________________________________________________________________________ Monday, November 6 6:30pm - 7:30pm | Jazz combo at the Hickory Music Factory _________________________________________________________________________________________ Saturday, November 11 10am - 1pm | Downtown Hickory Farmers’ Market 9am - 5pm | C&E Hickory Gun Show _________________________________________________________________________________________ Sunday, November 12 10am - 5pm | C&E Hickory Gun Show 7:30pm | Crystal Gayle @ the Newton Performing Arts Center _________________________________________________________________________________________ Monday, November 13 6:30pm - 7:30pm | Jazz combo @ the Hickory Music Factory _________________________________________________________________________________________ Friday, November 17 5:45pm | Downtown Hickory Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting _________________________________________________________________________________________ Saturday, November 18 10am - 1pm | Downtown Hickory Farmers’ Market 10:30am - 1pm | Jingle Bell Gingerbread House Party @ Hickory Museum of Art 12pm | YMCA Turkey Trot @ the Hickory YMCA 1pm - 4pm | 50's Classic Car Cruise-in & Sock Hop @ Blue Ridge Harley Davidson _________________________________________________________________________________________ Tuesday, November 21 2:30pm | Art for All - Free Art Classes at Highland Rec Center _________________________________________________________________________________________ Friday, November 24 2:30pm | “Anastasia” @ Hickory Community Theater _________________________________________________________________________________________ Saturday, November 25 10am - 1pm | Downtown Hickory Farmers’ Market 4:30pm - 7pm | Christmas Kaboom @ the Hickory Motor Speedway   Your favorite Hickory, NC REALTORS® will be out and about in town enjoying the fun fall local events. We hope to see you out at some. We don't just help clients buy and sell homes, we love spending time in our community as well!

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  REALTY EXECUTIVES OF HICKORY WELCOME NEW AGENT Miranda Mendel has joined Realty Executives of Hickory at 785 Highway 70 SW, where she will specialize in marketing and sales of real estate. Miranda is a member of the Catawba Valley Association of Realtors and the national and state Realtor associations. She is a graduate of UNC Charlotte where she received a degree in Criminal Justice. Miranda was born and raised in the Catawba Valley area, where she enjoys spending time with her husband, Eric, and their two children Barrett and Scarlett. She and her family live in the saint Stephens area. The addition of Miranda to the fine group of 80 agents already at Realty Executives shows a commitment to our customers that they will be well represented by any agent at our office. Our 100 percent concept is designed for professional, highly trained top producers, and Miranda will become a part of the future of Realty Executives. We are excited that Miranda has become a part of the future of Realty Executives. Call Realty Executives at 828-328-8900Call Miranda Mendel at 828- 514-2828Visit Realty Executives’ website at www.realtyexecs.net

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REALTY EXECUTIVES OF HICKORY WELCOMES NEW AGENT Jaden Adair has joined Realty Executives of Hickory at 785 Highway 70 SW where he will specialize in the marketing and sales of real estate. He is also a member of the Catawba Valley Association of Realtors as well as the national and state Realtor Associations.  Jaden is a graduate of Newton-Conover High School. He enjoys spending his free-time with hisfamily, watching sports, and cooking. Jaden and his family live in the Conover area. The addition of Jaden to our fine group of 80 agents already at Realty Executives shows our commitment to providing our customers with professionals who will represent them in an exceptional way. Our 100 percent concept is designed for professional, highly trained top producers. We are excited that Jaden has become a part of the future of Realty Executives. Call Realty Executives at 828-328-8900Call Jaden Adair at 828-461-4026Visit Realty Executives’ website at www.realtyexecs.net

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REALTY EXECUTIVES OF HICKORY WELCOMES NEW AGENT Donald Hicks has joined Realty Executives of Hickory at 785 Highway 70 SW where he will specialize in the marketing and sales of real estate. He is also a member of the Catawba Valley Association of Realtors as well as the national and state Realtor Associations.  Donald is a graduate of The University of Wisconsin-Madison where he received a degree in Industrial Engineering. He enjoys reading, basketball, puzzles, distributing free school supplies to educators, and serving his wife, family and friends. Dana and he live in the Newton area and are grateful to God for His many blessings. The addition of Donald to our fine group of 80 agents already at Realty Executives shows our commitment to providing our customers with professionals who will represent them in an exceptional way. Our 100 percent concept is designed for professional, highly trained top producers. We are excited that Donald has became a part of the future of Realty Executives. Call Realty Executives at 828-328-8900Call Donald Hicks at 828-461-6737Visit Realty Executives’ website at www.realtyexecs.net

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REALTY EXECUTIVES OF HICKORY WELCOMES NEW AGENT Sara Baisden has joined Realty Executives of Hickory at 785 Highway 70 SW where she will specialize in the marketing and sales of real estate. She is also a member of the Catawba Valley Association of Realtors as well as the national and state Realtor Associations.  Sara enjoys spending her free-time with her family, friends and her dog. She currently lives in Vale, North Carolina. The addition of Sara Baisden to the fine group of 80 agents already at Realty Executives shows a commitment to our customers that any agent at our office will represent them in an exceptional way. Our 100 percent concept is designed for professional, highly trained top producers, and we are excited Elle will become a part of the future of Realty Executives. Call Realty Executives at 828-328-8900Call Sara Baisden at 828-291-1600Visit Realty Executives’ website at www.realtyexecs.net

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REALTY EXECUTIVES OF HICKORY WELCOMES NEW AGENT Grayam Austin has joined Realty Executives of Hickory at 785 Highway 70 SW, where he will specialize in marketing and sales of real estate. Grayam is a member of the Catawba Valley Association of Realtors and the national and state Realtor associations. Grayam is a graduate of Appalachian State University where he received a degreein Communications. He enjoys spending his free time golfing, hunting, and spending time with family. Grayam and his wife, Brooke, currently live in Denver, NC. Brooke is an accountant for CLA in Charlotte, NC. The addition of Grayam Austin to the fine group of 85 agents already at Realty Executives shows a commitment to our customers that they will be well represented by any agent at the office. Our 100 percent concept is designed for professional, highly trained top producers, and Grayam Austin will become a partof the future of Realty Executives. Call Grayam Austin (828) 292-2831Realty Executives: (828) 328-8900Visit: www.realtyexecs.net

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