HOA Fall 2024 Newsletter

Fall 2024

A Publication for Residents of Cullasaja BACK TO THE MOUNTAINS

HOA CONTACT INFORMATION

HOA Office: 828-526-3646 Cullasaja Guard Gate / Security 828-526-3954

Chris Conner

Chuck Dempsey

General Manager/COO Office: 828-526-3531 Cell: 678-618-3326 cconner@cullasaja-club.com

Landscape Director Office: 828-526-2163 Cell: 828-342-1030 landscaping@cullasaja-club.com

Gary Clark

Steve Mersereau

HOA Field & Services Director Office: 828-526-2190 Cell: 828-482-2595 gclark@cullasaja-club.com

Outside Services Manager Office: 828-482-4479 Cell: 828-347-6162 smersereau@cullasaja-club.com

Mona Humphrey

Stephen Stanley

Director of Security Office: 828-482-0690 Cell: 828-347-6137 sstanley@cullasaja-club.com

HOA Administrative Supervisor Office: 828-526-3646 adminhoa@cullasaja-club.com

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Will Walz

Maintenance Supervisor Cell: 828-347-6025 wwalz@cullasaja-club.com

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HOA OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Mike Buchanan, President .... buchananmiker@icloud.com Tim Wright, Vice President ..... timmwright1@outlook.com Jane Adams, Secretary ............... janeadams.sba@gmail.com Herb Walter, Treasurer ...................... herbwalter@msn.com Don Feibelman ............................ ndfeibelman@gmail.com Dennis Fisher ................................ docfisher50@gmail.com Phil McManamy .................... mcmanamyphil@gmail.com Chuck Shirk ................................. cshirk1947@gmail.com

Architectural Control Committee: Lang Lowrey (Chair) acc@cullasaja-club.com By-Laws and Legal Committee: Sid Nurkin (Chair) sid.nurkin@gmail.com Finance & Audit Committee: Herb Walter (Chair) herbwalter@msn.com Landscaping Committee: Esther Stokes (Chair) estherstokes01@gmail.com Nominating Committee: Don Feibelman ndfeibelman@gmail.com Ravenel Lake Association, Inc. Dennis Fisher, President docfisher50@gmail.com Roads, Infrastructure, Utilities: Chuck Shirk (Chair) cshirk1947@gmail.com Safety and Security Committee: Tim Wright (Chair) timmwright1@outlook.com HOA COMMITTEE CHAIRS

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As I look back on my journey with Cullasaja HOA, I am filled with appreciation and pride. Since joining the team 16 years ago, I can honestly say this group of 42 HOA team members is the best we have ever had. The entirety of team has consistently exemplified our "We Care" mission, showing unwavering commitment striving to serve our community with dedication and respect. Our team’s genuine care and enthusiasm for their work are evident in every interaction. We strive to ensure that you receive the best service possible, and it is our hope that this dedication is clear to you. If we ever miss a call, email, or experience delays with your

Gary Clark HOA Field & Services Director

project, please know it is never due to a lack of concern, but rather an unintentional oversight and I encourage you to reach out if you feel we are not meeting your needs. I know it’s been mentioned before, but I continue to be especially proud of the recent renovation of our yacht club. If you haven’t yet had the chance to visit, I encourage you to do so. I personally love it when I have the opportunity to find a few minutes of peace at the docks. And I believe you will enjoy the updates.

Thank you for your continued support and for being a vital part of our community. If you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I will do everything in my power to do my best to take care of you!

With warm regards, Gary Clark

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From the Architectural Control Committee

Dear Fellow Homeowners,

Spring and Fall are traditionally the busiest seasons for the ACC. During these times, we see a surge in project submissions as residents are eager to begin summer or offseason work. It’s almost as if the equinoxes ignite a flurry of activity, leading to a sharp increase in requests for new home starts, renovations, repainting, and landscaping. This heightened volume can overwhelm the ACC’s capacity, so please be aware that while we meet every two weeks, it may take up to 30 days for review and approval during these peak periods. Regarding exterior painting, even if you are repainting your home in the same color, we still need the paint manufacturer’s name, brand, and paint number for all repainted surfaces, including siding, deck, deck rails, doors, garage, etc. Although we no longer require a sample board, we ask that you paint a small corner of the garage with all surface colors so that an ACC representative can review it. Finally, as you know Cullasaja and neighboring communities are reviewing their guidelines on exterior lighting, balancing the need to safely maneuver in the dark (as between the car and the house, or on outside stairs & walks), with environmental sensitivity. Thanks for your assistance in helping us with these guidelines.

We look forward to reviewing your offseason submittals and will strive to respond as promptly as possible. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Regards, Lang Lowrey For the ACC

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NEW HOMEOWNER MEETINGS: WELCOME TO THE COMMUNITY!

Are you new to Cullasaja HOA? We want to ensure you feel right at home. If you haven't had the chance to attend a New Homeowner Meeting, we'd love to connect with you. During this meeting, we'll introduce you to the range of services we provide, discuss the various ways the HOA supports you, and address any questions you might have.

To schedule a meeting, please reach out to Gary Clark at gclark@cullasaja-club.com.

Also, be sure to check out our HOA NEW Homeowner Guidebook , which answers many common questions and helps you navigate your new community. We look forward to meeting you! WINTER PROJECT: PREPARING FOR PAVING ON CULLASAJA CLUB DRIVE As we continue to navigate the ongoing club construction, the HOA is gearing up for a significant winter project. This season, we'll be preparing to repave the much-needed section of Cullasaja Club Drive from Garnet Rock Trail to Lost Trail. Our team will be undertaking essential groundwork, including replacing underground water service lines between the main and each water meter, inspecting and potentially replacing large street valves, locating any buried valves, and installing French drains where underground springs are present. This preparation work will involve extensive digging, all in anticipation of a smooth paving process next May. We appreciate your patience and cooperation this winter as we work to enhance our community's infrastructure. If you've spent any time around the club in the past year, you've undoubtedly noticed the bustling construction activity. As of now, there are four homes which are just complete or are almost totally complete, six houses actively under construction, and potentially seven more projects on the horizon. This doesn’t include all the many renovation projects large and small throughout the club. This continued development reflects the growth and evolution of our community. We appreciate your understanding as the new homeowners work through this busy construction phase and look forward to the completion of these new additions to our neighborhood. Page 5 NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: A SNAPSHOT OF PROGRESS

CULLASAJA MEMBER SERVICES Fall & Winter Service Offerings

LANDSCAPING DEPARTMENT Prepare Your Yard for Fall with Member Services Landscaping

As the crisp air of fall settles over the Highlands Plateau, our Member Services Landscaping Department is ready to assist with your seasonal yard maintenance. Our Fall Clean-Up service is designed to keep your yard looking its best through the cooler months and is conducted in two essential phases: Phase 1: Includes cutting back perennials, selective pruning, and other preparatory tasks to get your yard winter-ready.

Phase 2: Focuses on comprehensive leaf blowing, scheduled after the majority of the leaves have fallen, ensuring a tidy landscape.

Interested in scheduling Fall Clean-Up? Please click here to fill out the Fall Clean Up Sign Up Form

Weekly Driveway Leaf Blowing Services As the autumn leaves cascade in a symphony of red, orange, and gold, there's no better time to savor the season's splendor. However, the unrivaled beauty of fall can quickly turn your driveway into a leaf-covered obstacle course. Our weekly or every other week driveway blowing services clears away fallen leaves and debris, transforming your driveway into a clean and safe space, ensuring that you can relish the season's splendor without the upkeep stress. Don't let leaves clutter your property - let us handle it, so you can savor the majesty of autumn hassle-free.

2024 Driveway Blowing Sign up Form

Thank you for trusting us with your landscaping needs. We look forward to helping you prepare your yard for the winter ahead.

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Sign Up Now for the 2024 Grinder Pump Maintenance Program Dear Homeowners, We are in the middle of our annual grinder pump maintenance program. For questions or assistance, contact Mona Humphrey at adminhoa@cullasaja-club.com or call (828) 526-3646. We look forward to helping you prepare for a safe and comfortable winter season in your mountain home. REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT Prepare for Winter with Our Winterization and House Checking Services With the challenges of past winters—sub-zero temperatures, powerful winds, and power outages—it's more important than ever to ensure your home is ready for the season. Cullasaja HOA's Winterization and House Checking Service, offered through Member Services, is a crucial resource for our community. Why It’s Essential Given the severe weather conditions we’ve experienced in the past including sub-zero temperatures, high winter winds, and potential power outages, taking advantage of this service can help prevent significant issues and provide peace of mind throughout the winter. How to Sign Up Click on the linked document for detailed information about the 2024-2025 Home Winterization Program and Home Inspection Program. To sign up, review the form, specify your preferences, choose a suitable winterization date, sign where required & submit the form. 2024-2025 Home Winterization Sign Up Form

This valuable service includes: An “oil change” and tune-up for your grinder pump Opening and pumping down the tank Cleaning the tank and components with water and degreaser Running a full cycle to ensure proper operation Inspecting visible pipes, tank framework, and electronic components Adjusting floats as needed Providing an inspection report with any suggested repairs

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While this maintenance does not guarantee against future issues, it helps extend the life of your pump and may prevent costly repairs. Rest assured, the pump will remain operational during the maintenance process. Please note, this service should be completed before winter arrives and temperatures drop, as cleaning is challenging in freezing conditions. The cost for this service is $255.00. Sign up now by clicking on the link below: 2024 Grinder Pump Maintenance Program Sign-Up form OUTSIDE SERVICES Steve Mersereau and his team are here to assist with your larger home projects. They collaborate with you to determine the best additions or improvements, working closely with our handpicked contractors to ensure high-quality work that meets your specifications. They can also arrange for electricians, plumbers, or HVAC contractors to be at your home faster than you might on your own. A minimal 12.5% management fee covers their time, scheduling, administrative work, and provides you with a one-year warranty on the completed work, ensuring it’s done right. For a quote, to discuss any projects or services we offer, or if you would like one of the forms sent to you directly via email, please contact our HOA team at adminhoa@cullasaja-club.com . Reminder: Noise Considerations for a Peaceful Community To ensure a peaceful environment for all, we kindly ask homeowners to refrain from using loud equipment, such as blowers and lawnmowers, after 5:00 PM on weekdays and throughout the weekend. Please understand this is intended to maintain a serene atmosphere in our community. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to create a harmonious living experience for everyone. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for contributing to a tranquil mountain home environment. Page 8

2024 Staffing Updates Welcome Dustin Atha and Luis Rosado!

Dustin his son, Emmitt

We are thrilled to introduce two new members who have joined our Cullasaja family Dustin and Luis. Dustin Atha joined our Cullasaja HOA Landscaping team in April of this year, and he's already proving to be a fantastic hire. With over 15 years of experience, Dustin has quickly become a key asset to our team. Previously, he managed a crew responsible for maintaining 50-60 homes around Lake Burton, where his dedication to landscaping was evident in every detail. Now, as Assistant Landscaping Director, Dustin brings his passion and expertise to every project, ensuring the landscapes he tends are always at their best. He currently lives in Franklin with Siarah, their son Emmitt, and their dog Scout.

Dustin with Siarah

Luis Rosado, born and raised in Puerto Rico, moved to Florida in 2007 to learn English and provide a better future for his daughters. After living in Fort Myers with his family, they recently relocated to Franklin.

Luis Rosado (on the left) with his family

In early July, Luis joined the Cullasaja HOA Member Services team, bringing over 20 years of experience in customer service and maintenance for apartments and single-family homes. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and certifications in HVAC maintenance (EPA) and pool attendance (CPO). Raised by a single mother and grandparents, Luis developed a love for animals and horseback riding at a young age. He also enjoyed playing pool as a teenager. Now a proud grandfather of five, Luis values family time and enjoys helping others learn about God and His Bible. While committed to his work, God and family always come first. Luis is excited to start this new chapter in Franklin. Please welcome Dustin and Luis to Cullasaja if you have the pleasure of meeting them!

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Happy Fall! Just a quick update from Highlands and Cashiers Sotheby’s International Realty regarding the real estate market in Cullasaja Club. The current overall market is up thirty-one percent volume wise and six-percent in unit sales. Firstly, we extend heartfelt gratitude to all our friends and clients for your support! Compared to the overall market, 2024 sales inside our precious Club have increased over two and one-half times over 2023. Twenty-two homes have sold in 2024 compared to ten homes in 2023 for a volume of $60 million compared to $25 million in 2023. Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty transacted seventy-three percent of all these sales. Many of the buyers walk into our office on the corner of Main Street and Highway 64 as first-time buyers interested in learning about the area. We promote Cullasaja Club as the best Club on the entire Plateau and often convince them that Cullasaja Club is the best fit and the right match. A headline sale occurred this week which is noteworthy to report. John Lupoli, developer of The Summit at the top of Cullasaja Club, built a beautiful spec home which we just listed two weeks ago for $7,250,000. The home went under contract in twenty-four hours based on a Sotheby’s broker assisting another broker who led them straight to this home. This property closed last week very close to the asking price. Congratulations to the seller & buyers of this spectacular home! Currently, there are nine homes on the market with three under contract. We have some pocket listings that are also under contract. Demand is high, and we have a long list of buyers looking for specific properties. If you are thinking about selling, please let us visit with you to assess what you might be able to achieve in this robust market. Thank you again for your support and friendship. We are extremely grateful to continue to represent the interests of the homeowners inside Cullasaja Club and promote these increased values. Prosperous Times in Cullasaja Club in 2024

Warmest Regards, Wood and Jody

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