Practicing North Carolina Real Estate in the Blue Ridge for forty years was as natural for me as breathing. My whole family is or has been in the business. Two brothers developed mountain properties here in the western corner of the North Carolina Mountains. I chose to list and sell everything from log cabins, farms, acreage to residential, commercial and investment properties in Watauga and Ashe County in North Carolina, and Johnson and Carter County in Tennessee.

There were only a few real estate offices here in Boone, NC when I started my own business in the late sixties. I have been in on the ground floor and witnessed as well as played a part in the rapid changes that have occurred.

I helped develop and sell some of the first properties on Watauga Lake in Tennessee. Have watched generations grow up and am now representing properties for sons and daughters of early farmers and residence in both states.

I am a proud father of three sons and grandfather of seven fantastic grandchildren. Served my hitch in the air force, and love to travel. I have always wanted to see the world because the world has come to my door. I have sold properties here in the Blue Ridge Mountains to people from around the globe, literally, everyone from diplomats to young couples looking for a place to raise a family. I have represented developers and farmers, home and business owners and a few moon shiners.

My wife, Grace (who has always helped me in the business) and I celebrate our fifty years of marriage this December. You might think I would want to retire, but not so. I am as excited about listing and selling Western North Carolina Real Estate and Tennessee Real Estate as I was forty years ago.

I have always had the pleasure of being surrounded with good people. Frank LaMartina has been with me four years and shares my enthusiasm every time he list or sells another log cabin or tract of land, or summer home for our many visitors.

Bartlett Dougherty comes to us with deep roots in the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian University located here in Boone. He represents our local people with pride as does Rebecca Lawrence who also grew up here and prefers only to bring in listings, each one has always been prime.

Now our oldest son Jon has studied for and received his Georgia Real Estate license and plans to bring folks in from the Atlanta. You will read more about them in their own words.

Ya’ll come! Any of us can help you find your dream or sell your home or business. Investing in Watauga County Real Estate, or Watauga Lake property, or a Boone NC cabin will assure you a bright future as a mountaineer.

John Wakeman