Keri Bateman Luxury Real Estate-Highlands & Cashiers NC

06/05/2026

Visited Burlingame in Sapphire and came away with a clear impression: it’s a community built for repeat visits—quiet arrival, strong amenities, and a long-horizon approach to improvements.

I shared a short blog field note from the visit
Blog: https://tinyurl.com/BurlingameGameOn

04/12/2026

There is something about Highlands that reveals itself through water.

From the mist behind Dry Falls to the quiet sound of tributaries moving through the forest, water is part of what makes life on the Plateau feel so unforgettable.

I just shared a new piece, The Waterfall Realities of Highlands, NC: Behind the Curtain of Plateau Living, exploring how waterfalls, streams, and the surrounding landscape shape not only the beauty of Highlands, but the way many homes here are experienced and loved.

Many Highlands and Cashiers homes are built around small waterfalls, creeks, and natural tributaries — and for many buyers, it is one of the first things they fall in love with.

If you prefer to listen, the companion episode of Henry Hall Deep Dive is also live.

Take a look and let me know which waterfall is your favorite on the Plateau.

https://keribateman.exprealty.com/blog/353880/The+Waterfall+Realities+of+Highlands%2C+NC%3A+Behind+the+Curtain+of+Plateau+Living

04/10/2026

This amazing outdoor stone fireplace is the perfect way to spend the evenings with friends and family!

03/29/2026

Highlands was founded as a commercial crossroads.

It became something else entirely—because the mountain had its own opinion.

I recorded a short episode and wrote the companion piece on the “X” that shaped Highlands, the elevation that changes daily life, and why this town still feels earned by the approach.

Read or listen here: https://keribateman.exprealty.com/blog/351600/The+Highlands+NC+Paradox

03/22/2026

03/20/2026

There’s a reason people find their way to the Highlands–Cashiers Plateau and never quite leave.

Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jwpi8qcUBbCIY1Nx1Tyk6...

or on APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../deep-dive.../id1886253452...

This first episode from Henry Hall is an introduction to the area—drawn from a collection of written insights, local observations, and the kind of details that don’t always surface in a typical search.

It offers a deeper look at the landscape, pace, and considerations that shape how people live, build, and invest here.

If you’ve been exploring Highlands, Cashiers, or the surrounding Plateau, this is a thoughtful place to begin.

More to come as we continue documenting what it truly means to live and build in this region.

03/19/2026

“One of the biggest decisions when building in Highlands isn’t the house—it’s choosing the right builder.”

“And not all builders here work the same way.”

03/18/2026

One of the most common questions I hear is:
“How much does it cost to build in Highlands?”

The honest answer is—it depends heavily on the property.

Two homes with similar plans and finishes can have very different overall costs depending on what’s required before construction even begins.

Site preparation is often where the biggest differences show up:

• Excavation and rock removal
• Grading and drainage
• Driveway installation and access
• Utility connections

These are not always obvious when you first look at a property, but they can significantly impact the final investment.

This is why understanding the land, the builder, and the overall plan together is so important before moving forward.

When approached correctly, building here can be an incredible experience—it just requires a bit more insight at the beginning.

03/18/2026

One of the biggest mistakes I see buyers make in Highlands is focusing on the house before they fully understand the lot.

In most markets, the home drives the decision.
Here, the land often determines what’s possible—and what it will cost.

This is a good example of what I mean—what you’re seeing here is excavation into rock, which is common in certain areas of the plateau.

A property that looks straightforward at first glance can come with factors that aren’t immediately obvious:

• Steep slope that increases build costs
• Limited access for construction
• Septic placement restrictions
• Drainage and water management considerations

These are the kinds of details that can significantly impact both timeline and budget.

It’s not about avoiding these properties—many of them turn into incredible homes—it’s about understanding them before moving forward.

This is where taking a little more time upfront can make a big difference in the outcome.

10/17/2023

When it comes to rental properties, there are a lot of misconceptions — and it’s time to set the record straight.

Visit our latest blog post to find out if an income property is right for you!

🔗 https://bit.ly/BeALandlord