Home Buyers Use Reason and Logic in the Current Economy

Ignore the news and tune out the chatter “the sky is falling” is easier said than done. If we are not in a recession, then we act like we are. We have allowed fear to become the overiding factor causing many to do nothing when it comes to investing in real estate. One should remember that real estate is a long term investment and has proven to be one of the best investments overall. Of course, there should be some skepticism and caution given the current outlook of our economy, but skepticism and caution should be tempered with reason and logic and not become out and out fear.

From Right on Your Money by Dan Kadlec in Time Magazine, Dan writes, “There has rarely been a moment in history when you couldn’t scare yourself into doing nothing. …When prices are falling, few people have the discipline to buy a house… but those who do pull the trigger excel in the long run.”

It seems we are experiencing one of those rare moments where many potential home buyers have been scared into doing nothing. The Federal Reserve is cutting short-term interest rates faster than any other time in history and rate cuts tend to improve the economy in time. Yet home buyers continue to hesitate. The end of the recession, if there is one could actually be in sight.

If you have good credit and plan to stay in a home for at least five years, then it’s time to get serious.

Now is the time to buy before interest rates start to rise and they will sooner or later. When they do, this will wipe out any gain you think you might have by a further drop in prices. Also, home prices may stabilize and sellers may become less willing to negotiate.

Dan Kadlec uses this example:

Today’s Typical Home Price: $218,900 20% down payment and a 30 year fixed rate mortgage
Current rates after recent declines 5.5%
Monthly Payment: $994.31

Cost in 12 Months?
Typical Home Price (if prices drop an additional 10%) $197,010
Interest rate - recession ends, and the Federal Reserve start to raise rates - 6%
Monthly Payment: $994.94

Conclusion: If you waited a year to buy, you would have saved nothing !
Note: Interest rate quoted to me by a local lender on 2/28/08 was 6.375 (already higher than what Dan used in his example)

Single Family Residential Home Sales - Fannin County - February 2008

Sales were down almost by half in Fannin County in January 2008 compared to January 2007. But, February 2008 is showing a different picture. Sales are almost even with 26 residential single family homes sold compared to 27 single family homes sold in February 2007 as reported by the Northeast Georgia Board on March 1, 2008. Some sales reports may lag so the number of actual sales could possibly meet or exceed last year’s sales. The gap is closing!

Market statistics for February 2008 for Fannin, Union, Gilmer, Towns and Pickens Counties in North Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains will be posted to my website soon: http://www.move2northgeorgia.net/

Donna Yates, Georgia Realtor, serving home buyers nationwide. My primary market is the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains (Fannin, Union, Towns, Gilmer and Pickens Counties). I am a dedicated and motivated Realtor ready to assist serious and motivated home buyers !

North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountain Area - Donna Yates, Georgia Realtor

Donna Yates, Georgia Realtor®

“Serving home buyers nationwide”
Blue Ridge, Georgia  30513
706-633-0644 cellular

www.move2northgeorgia.net
email:  donna@ellijay.com

Need a buyer’s agent?  Contact me, I look forward to representing your best interest!

                           

 Move 2 North Georgia:   Mountain Homes for Sale 

Read news and happenings in the North Georgia Mountains:  North Georgia Mountain Blog 

  

Please click on the Active Rain icon below for much more information:

Thank you for visiting

Focus on North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains (Blog)

North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains
News, Events, Happenings, Market Conditions, more…
by Donna Yates, Georgia Realtor

~Featured Articles~

North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains Market Watch (Edited) - Nov 30 02:25 AM   Keeping it real in real estate:  Following are real estate market statistics as reported by the Northeast Georgia Multiple Listing Service for the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains.  This market information is comprised of the following counties in Northeast Georgia:  Fannin, Gilmer, Union, Towns, and Pickens and provides a snapshot of current real estate market conditions.  Please bookmark my website:  www.move2northgeorgia.net  to keep informed of ongoing real estate market conditions in the North Georgia Mountains.   All in all, the North Georgia Mountain market …   

Remember Going to a Drive-In Theater When You Were a Kid? North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains - Nov 06 05:55 PM How many of you remember going to a Drive-In Theater when you were a kid? Wikipedia describes a drive-in theater as follows:”A drive-in theater is a form of cinema structure consisting of a large screen, a projection booth, a concession stand and a large parking area for automobiles. The screen can be as simple as a wall that is painted white, or it can be a complex steel truss structure with a complex finish. Within this enclosed area, …

Looking for True Mountain Flavor? The Cider House Cafe - North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains - Nov 05 03:58 PM You must put The Cider House Café on your list when visiting the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains.  The Cider House Café is located at 2984 Mobile road only three miles west from the old mountain town of McCaysville…  Enjoy real mountain flavor with the home cooked country meals that owners Joe and Mary Jo Dickey serve up.  You can get lunch Monday through Sunday …

Step Back Into Yesteryear - Explore Historic Downtown Blue Ridge, North Georgia Mountains - Nov 03 10:44 AM Thank you for visiting. Please feel free to leave your comments. For a free brochure of Blue Ridge and the surrounding area, please email me at donna@ellijay.com or visit my website: www.move2northgeorgia.net and complete the contact form. Be sure to tell me that you would like a free brochure and I will get this in the mail to you within 24 hours of your request. I hope to see you in the pristine North Georgia Blue …

Elegance and Romance of Yesteryear in Downtown Blue Ridge, North Georgia Mountains - Nov 01 08:06 PM
The Victorian House Restaurant in the Mountains of Blue Ridge welcomes you.  This restaurant is recommended by Southern Living Magazine and specializes in steaks, pasta and seafood.  Enjoy the romance of yesteryear in an ambience of true 1900 CIRCA.  Casual elegance, gourmet foods and housemade desserts plus many vintage hats to choose from and wear while you dine will remind you of a time gone by.  Michael (pictured below) and the other fine staff will welcome …

~Homes and Properties for Sale~

It’s All About Lifestyle in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains - Nov 05 05:07 PM
Lynn Ensley is the owner and developer of McCaysville’s newest upscale community.   Lynn is also a visionary and thought about “going green” long before it became the thing to do.  This 160 acre wooded preserve will boast some of the most distinctive and stylish mountain homes in Fannin County with a great respect for nature.  Lynn’s love for the wildlife in the area is very apparent.  There are 90 spacious one to three acre choice lots …

~Luxury Properties~

Nature’s Estates Ready for First Release of Luxury Vacation Homes for a Fraction of the Cost - Dec 02 09:22 PM Nature’s Estates Resort & Spa located at Paris Mountain in Mineral Bluff nestled in the  North Georgia Mountains .   Only ten minutes from downtown historic Blue Ridge.  This exclusive gated luxury resort now offering 1/12th shares of fractional deeded ownership in the first release of inventory.  The Heritage is ready for priority reservation for the first 48 reservationists.  Approximately 3300 square feet at $155,000.  Priority reservationists will save approximately $23,000 for the first year by investing now.  This is the …

Ahhh - First Class All the Way in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains! - Dec 02 02:37 AM Nature’s Estates Resort and Spa Community located in Fannin County, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is ready for its      First Release of Inventory !!!There are currently 48 priority reservations ready for sale in 1/12th shares in our Heritage model (this is the smallest of our models, approximately 3300 square feet) at $155,000!  This is the rock bottom pricing for the Heritage and will only be for the first 48 reservationists.  After these…

~Real Estate Market Condtions~

 North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains Market Watch (Edited) - Nov 30 02:25 AM  Keeping it real in real estate:   Following are real estate market statistics as reported by the Northeast Georgia Multiple Listing Service for the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains.  This market information is comprised of the following counties in Northeast Georgia:  Fannin, Gilmer, Union, Towns, and Pickens and provides a snapshot of current real estate market conditions.  Please bookmark my website:  www.move2northgeorgia.net  to keep informed of ongoing real estate market conditions in the North Georgia Mountains.   All in all, the North Georgia Mountain market … 

~Buying a Home~

More than Buying a Home, It’s Making a Lifestyle Choice in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains - Oct 02 03:39 AM We are going into our busiest season of the year, Fall in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains.  As a Realtor, I can already tell that we are seeing more home buyers now.  Some home buyers held off buying that dream mountain escape thinking prices will go lower and more than likely missed out on the log cabin of their dreams.  Who knows whether prices will go lower?  

~Recreation~

Gone Fishin’ … Get Hooked on the North Georgia Mountains - Sep 05 07:54 PM Finally, September is here!  I will miss summer and it did fly by but “stars above” we had some hot temps in August.  Much of the month was over 100 degrees which is very unusual for the cool North Georgia Mountains.  Now the cool mornings and evenings are back and it feels like a cool splash in the lake!  Ahh, refreshing for sure.  With September comes the first hint of autumn color and there’s nothing like …

Canoe Your Way Through the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains - Nov 10 09:24 AM  Explore Lake Blue Ridge and the Toccoa River.  Canoe & Kayak Ventures located on Aska Road at the Toccoa River Outpost offers:  Learn to Roll  $75Three hours of quality instruction; 1-2 Day Basic Clinic  One day  $125; Two days  $225.  A great introduction to the sport of kayaking.  Learn proper techniques, paddle strokes and river reading.  Two or more qualify for a discount.  Family Kayak Clinic $125 per personThis clinic allows each family …

Horseback Riding in beautiful Cashes Valley, Blue Ridge - North Georgia Mountains - Jul 23 05:53 PM    ”Hold your horses”!  Don’t miss Callihan’s Adventure Trail Rides of Cashes Valley:    adventure trail rides   Offering 1 hour, 1 1/2 hour and 2 hour rides to accommodate riders from level 1 to the more advanced rider.  1 Hour — This trail ride is great for adults and children and is classified as level 1.  But it will provide a few obstacles that will excite riders of all ages.  Trails offer beautiful scenic views and is an leisurely ride.  1 1/2 Hour …

Big Bear Ranch and Trail Rides - Blue Ridge Mountains, North Georgia - Aug 14 06:24 PM   Picture a cool, crisp Blue Ridge Mountain morning.  Listen to the sounds of nature as a flock of sparrows sit above a tall Georgia pine watching the slow trot of your horse gently walking your cares away.  Enjoy the wonderful sights and smells that the Blue Ridge Mountains have to offer.  Big Bear Ranch is not called Big Bear for no reason; you never know what you might see while you are riding one of their trusted …

~Events and Happenings~

Santa Claus Lights Up Blue Ridge ! - Nov 29 08:50 PM Saturday, November 24 was “Light Up Blue Ridge” which officially kicked off the Christmas season for our town. This annual event started a few years ago and is becoming a mountain tradition, drawing more and more visitors each year to the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains. This year’s celebration drew more than 7000 visitors! It was a beautiful sunny day but on the cold side. I was so thankful to get to enjoy this event …

Rekindle Fond Christmas Memories and Make New Ones in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains - Nov 07 11:32 AM Light Up Blue Ridge has become a mountain tradition which kicks off the Christmas season.  Relive the small town celebrations of the past and let the Christmas spirit fill your mind and heart with a fun-filled day of Christmas excitement in downtown Blue Ridge.  Great family fun for all.

Blue Ridge Gone Wild! - Sep 06 07:26 AM  The 8th Annual Wildlife and Nature Art Festival and Outdoor Expo is coming to Blue Ridge on September 15 and 16th.  This is one of the largest wildlife art festivals in North Georgia drawing more than 7000 people last year, thanks to the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association. Experts in hiking, fly fishing, horseback riding, rafting, and biking will be available to provide information in these areas.  The festival will have a wildlife or nature theme …

~News~

Fannin County Voters Have Their Say - North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains - Nov 07 06:18 AM   Many of you have been reading my posts about the November 6th election facing Fannin County residents. The resolution to allow liquor by the drink which became a “spirited” (so to speak) issue.  This is a follow-up to report the outcome of the election as reported yesterday evening..  As reported by The News Observer, the referendum was defeated 3871 to 3330 votes with 14 out of 14 precincts reporting. 
Fannin County Faces a Tough ChallengeProposed Ordinance on Liquor …

Fractional Ownership is Helping Buyers Afford Unbelieveable Luxury Log Cabins in North Georgia Mountains - Oct 23 04:09 PM Fractional ownership, a new way to own a luxury log cabin in the North Georgia Mountains with all the amenities you can possibly imagine. This is not to be confused with the traditional timesharing, although there are some similarities in terms of the concept, there are some very distinct differences.   Meg Davis’ Mountain Investments of North Georgia is pioneering this new buying concept for our Blue Ridge Mountains.  You are going to be amazed at what is coming  to …

North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountain Neighbors Face a Tough Challenge - Oct 17 11:21 AM   Update:  November 7, 2007   The voters of Fannin County voted  3871 to 3330 against passing the resolution to authorize the sale of distilled spirits.  Read the full story as reported  by precinct on the evening of yesterday’s vote: The News Observer  “To allow drink or not allow  drink, that is the question” that faces Fannin County voters who will decide on November 6th. Although parts of Fannin are already allowed to sell beer and wine, and those who want …

North Georgia is Developing Rapidly - Protecting the Public and the Environment - Jul 26 06:32 PM   North Georgia is growing rapidly.  The mountain region was once a sparsely populated area but not anymore!  It’s changing and it’s changing rapidly.  Georgia’s demand for residential and recreational development has now expanded more than one hundred miles from Metro Atlanta.  Raymond King, District Director of Environmental Health tells us how all of this rapid development is affecting our beautiful mountains and how hard the local environmental health department and the communities are working together to preserve …

A Visit to Blue Ridge Mountains in North Georgia Might Become a Permanent Stay - Sep 03 05:37 PM   Hemptown Creek near McCaysville in Fannin County, North Georgiais full of history.  This creek is just one of many creeks in Fannin County.  The creek’s stone dam was destroyed in a flood that occurred about seventeen years ago.  A section of the stone wall still remains but the rest of the dam is gone, no longer stretching across the creek.  Big chunks of rocks that were left behind serve as a reminder of just how devastating …

~Places to See~

Twin Cities McCaysville and Copperhill where a River Runs Through Them - North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains - Nov 05 07:48 AM  In the North Georgia Blue Ridge mountains lies twin cities: McCaysville Georgia on the western side of Fannin County, Georgia and Copperhill Tennessee on the eastern side of Polk County Tennessee  A river runs through them - Toccoa and Ocoee River.  McCaysville Georgia and Copperhill Tennessee are twin cities divided only by the Georgia-Tennessee state line. Visitors will see a blue line painted through the town which marks the state line. You can literally have one foot in …

Everybody’s Talking about Talking Rock, North Georgia Mountains - Jul 04 06:48 PM   The small mountain town of Talking Rock is tucked away in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in North Georgia.  It is the third smallest town in the state. Talking Rock is full of charm and rich with history of the Trail of Tears and the Civil War.  This town is located in Pickens county but used to be a part of Gilmer county. The Heritage Day Festival  is an annual event, held during the third weekend of October.  Festivities …

~Archives~

 2274 John Call Road, Talking Rock Georgia - Oct 07 09:45 AM   This home has unusual style and distinction with its great architectural details.  It stands apart from the typical style homes you normally see in the northeast Georgia mountain area.  This home is perfect for full time living, large family gatherings, corporate retreat or private estate.  Move In Ready!  No shortage of elbow room, inside and out.  This home for sale is spacious and sits atop three acres overlooking a small lake below.  The acreage is level to gentle, private and wooded.  …

2274 John Call Road, Talking Rock (Ellijay) North Georgia Mountains - Sep 01 01:27 AM   This home has unusual style and distinction with its great architectural details.  It stands apart from the typical style homes you normally see in the northeast Georgia mountain area.  This home is perfect for full time living, large family gatherings, corporate retreat or private estate.  Move In Ready!  No shortage of elbow room, inside and out.  This home for sale is spacious and sits atop three acres overlooking a small lake below.  The acreage is level to gentle, private and wooded.  …

Executive Mountain Retreat, Acreage, John Call Road, Talking Rock Georgia, Gilmer county, lake, views - Jul 12 06:42 PM Stunning executive mountain retreat - builder’s home for sale in North Georgia Mountains, John Call Road, Talking Rock, Georgia, Gilmer County near Ellijay.  Three beautiful acres, mountain and lake views, end of the road privacy.  Very spacious home with unbelievable architecture.  Nice corporate retreat.  Very distinctive and quite different from the typical log home.  Lake Yukon access  A really MUST SEE!  Five bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms (tiled and/or marble)  Home built in 2005, builder’s home, three acres, end of …

2274 John Call Road Talking Rock North Georgia Mountains - Jun 21 02:11 AM  This home has unusual style and distinction with its great architectural details.  It stands apart from the typical style homes you normally see in the northeast Georgia mountain area.  This home is perfect for full time living, large family gatherings, corporate retreat or private estate.  Move In Ready! No shortage of elbow room, inside and out.  This home for sale is spacious and sits atop three acres overlooking a small lake below.  The acreage is level to gentle, private and wooded.  …

Read more articles at :  blue ridge real estate  or see the page North GA Blog on Donna’s North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountain webpage.

Please visit Donna’s website for great mountain homes for sale:  www.move2northgeorgia.net

My North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountain Blogs (Edited)

Interested in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains?   Want to know more?

Please visit  www.localism.com

Select  Georgia

Select Fannin   (county)

Select Blue Ridge

Lots of blogs about the local mountain area and surrounding towns by Donna Yates, Realtor

Don’t Miss “Light Up Blue Ridge”  November 24, 2007 - read my blog

Repeat the steps above

Select McCaysville  (read all about the twin cities of McCaysville and Copperhill)

Visit often for ongoing updates about events, news and happenings in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains covering  these counties and towns:

Fannin County — Blue Ridge, McCaysville, Mineral Bluff, Epworth, Morganton, Aska area
                                  including Copperhill, Tennessee

Gilmer County — Ellijay, Talking Rock

Union County —  Blairsville

Towns County — Hiawassee, Young Harris

Visit me:   www.move2northgeorgia.net for great mountain properties for sale and other tips and advice.  The market is great with low interest rates and plenty of money available for loans.  Ever notice, surely you have, how the news media thrives on the negative?  Talk to Realtors in the local area you are interested in.  They are the ones that know the truth about their particular market because they can back it up with local sales statistics from their target Multiple Listing Service and show you the facts (good or bad).  I report the actual sales data (good or bad).   Read the latest sales data below for true market information in the Northeast Georgia Multiple Listing Area as reported by the Northeast Georgia Board of Realtors. 

North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains Market Watch (Edited) - Nov 30 02:25 AM  Following are real estate market statistics as reported by the Northeast Georgia Multiple Listing Service for the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains.  This market information is comprised of the following counties in Northeast Georgia:  Fannin, Gilmer, Union, Towns, and Pickens and provides a snapshot of current real estate market conditions.  Please bookmark my website:  www.move2northgeorgia.net  to keep informed of ongoing real estate market conditions in the North Georgia Mountains.   All in all, the North Georgia Mountain market … 

Thank you. 

Donna in Blue Ridge

Edited to add link to market data December 16, 2007

Fractional Ownership - How Would You Like to Own a Slice of Mountain Paradise in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains?

For a fraction of the cost, you can own a slice of mountain paradise in the Blue Ridge Mountains!

Recently, I wrote a couple of articles about Fractional Ownership and promised that I would have more to come regarding this new purchasing concept for luxury real estate in the North Georgia Mountains. Our first high-end resort community for Fannin County is well underway.  So, get ready for a development of highly distinguished rustic elegant log homes with amenities that traditionally have been enjoyed by the rich and famous! Nature’s Estates, a resort community now underway and Fractional Ownership is about to revolutionize  Fannin County ’s Blue Ridge Mountains.  Buy by the slice or Fractional Ownership, a new purchasing concept to North Georgia makes owning a luxury mountain log home affordable for the majority of home buyers.  Now is an opportunity to invest in a discerning lifestyle and own luxury real estate at the same time in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains!

What is Fractional Ownership?  It is primarily used to purchase and own a second or vacation home in a resort area for a fraction of the total cost.  Fractional Ownership is the fastest growing segment in resort estates today.  The purchaser will have ownership in a high-end luxury home conveyed by deed and can be resold, rented or willed, providing a legacy that can be left for family with all the amenities one can imagine,   Fractional Ownership is opening doors to many who want to own a share in private aviation for business and leisure, yachts, and multi-million dollar luxury homes in resort areas all over the world. 

Source:  CNNMoney.com  ”For a rapidly increasing number of Americans, “fractional-ownership” is a perfect trade-off. Owners get a beautiful, high-quality house, in a fantastic location, with great services and amenities and a carefree vacation lifestyle for 10 percent or 15 percent of what they would have to pay to buy the house on their own. The costs of buying and running these often expensive properties is shared by a number of people and the homes, instead of sitting idle most of the time, are nearly always being used.Fractionals, often called residence clubs, form one of the fastest-growing segments of the vacation-home market…”

Nature’s Estates is a 250 acre planned resort community in Paris Mountain located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Georgia’s Fannin County.  This resort community will consist of 84 ultra luxurious rustic elegant log homes on 1.5 to 4 acres tracts ranging in price from $800,000 to $1,300,000.  But a purchaser can own a high end luxury home for 1/12^th the cost, deeded with a minimum of 4 weeks of guaranteed usage (one week per season).  Plus, the purchaser will have unlimited usage for last minute stays throughout the year.  If the home the purchaser owns is not vacant during a time other than the guaranteed time, the purchaser may use another home that is available in the resort and pay only a small cleaning fee.

These distinguished homes, grand clubhouse, equestrian center and more are currently under development with the highest standards of quality craftsmanship and style.   Barna Homes of Georgia and J. W. Stevens Development and Contracting are working in tandem to combine their many years of experience and knowledge to develop this warm and inviting rustic resort community combined with pure elegance and style.  The stunning gated entrance to Nature’s Estate is finished and underground utilities and paved roads are currently underway as is The Grande Clubhouse which has been redesigned and will boast an inviting and impressive entrance, open 24 hours - 7 days a week. The Equestrian Center is dried in and the first rustic log lodge style home with a “touch of class” is soon to break ground.

The Grande Clubhouse
14,000 square feet
Restaurant and bar
Homeowners private lounge
Spa and Jacuzzi
State of the Art exercise facility
Indoor heated pool
Theatre
Billiards room
Meeting and banquet space for weddings, etc.
Massive stone fireplace
Tennis, basketball, racquetball, putting green

The Equestrian Center
27 Acres dedicated to horseback riding
Gypsy Vanner horses  
10,000 square feet with 15 stalls
Riding equipment
Homeowner may bring own horse

Luxury Mountain Log Homes
84 homes ranging from 2000 square feet to 4000 square feet on 1.5 to 4 acres
Elegant Rustic Log (appeal to men and women)
2 identical master suites with fireplace
3 to 5 bedrooms
Completely turnkey; professionally decorated
Home theatres
Game room/Billiard room
Panoramic views
Huge great room with stone fireplace which spans an entire wall
Outdoor Jacuzzi
Covered porches and decks
Epicurean kitchen
Garage parking
Elevator (offered in larger homes)
Sunroom
Multiple outdoor living spaces
All handicap accessible
Security

Guest Services
Concierge services
Daily maid services (if desired)
Personalized linens, dry cleaned and stored when homeowner is away
Pre-arrival stocking pantry service
Limousine
Transportation to and from airport
Car rentals
On site security and maintenance
Professional horseback riding lessons
Event and recreational planner
Spa services offered 24 hours in privacy of your own home
Reserve multiple homes for large family gatherings
Rental programs available for business clients
Exchange your home (worldwide destinations in the Preferred Residence Luxury Fractional Exchange Program)  

Team of Experts
Architects
Engineers
Real Estate Brokers
Property Managers
Lenders
Construction crews
Real Estate Attorney
Sales and Marketing Associates
Ragatz & Associates    
Barna Log Homes of Georgia   
J. W. Stevens Development and Contracting
Guest Services, Inc.   

If you are interested in finding out more about this new luxury resort community with all it has to offer plus fractional ownership, please contact me via email to donna@ellijay.com or call me directly at 706-633-0644.  You may also visit my website:  http://www.move2northgeorgia.net/ and complete the contact form on my home page and notify me of your interest.  I will personally respond to your requests within 24 hours or less. 

Please check back often for ongoing updates, pictures and pertinent information as I will continue to post future articles about this exciting buying concept and luxury resort community.

Inquiries and non offensive comments are always welcomed. 

 

Subscribe to Blue Ridge Mountains, North Georgia Real Estate Blog, Donna Yates, Realtor

Who Wants a Free Home Inspection with Purchase of Home in North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains?

 

***BUYERS - FREE HOME INSPECTION WITH PURCHASE OF $150,000 OR MORE!***

I will pay for your home inspection if you buy and close with me! 

You will be reimbursed in full at the time of closing.

visit:  www.move2northgeorgia.net

I will notify you of all new listings in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountain area including eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina within my website that meet your criteria, absolutely FREE!  Contact me about properties in Florida - I can help you.

• You will be notified via email of all new listings that match your search criteria within my website
• Your home search will be compared against other participating agents’ listings within you desired area(s)
• All new listings added to the system matching your criteria will also be emailed to you

And in addition:

If you would like to receive a more detailed and comprehensive up-to-the minute report of properties for sale in the Northeast Georgia Blue Ridge Mountain Multiple Listing Service Area, please be sure to include a note in your email to me.  I will send to you a report of mountain properties for sale designed for your specific needs
FREE! and within 24 hours of receipt of your email.

At no time will your email or other personal information be provided to third parties without YOUR written permission!  Your privacy is my priority.

 Contact:  Donna Yates, Realtor
North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains
706-633-0644 cell
donna@ellijay.com

Something Big is About to Hit the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains!

Fractional ownership, a new way to own a luxury log cabin in the North Georgia Mountains with all the amenities you can possibly imagine. This is not to be confused with the traditional timesharing, although there are some similarities in terms of the concept, there are some very distinct differences.   Meg Davis’ Mountain Investments of North Georgia is pioneering this new buying concept for our Blue Ridge Mountains.  You are going to be amazed at what is coming  to our mountains! Unplug from the rat race and come for some unbelievable pampering, rest and relaxation.

I will be attending a conference later this week to find out more about this unique opportunity and will be sure to keep you posted.  Also, I will soon be introducing an upscaled log cabin development like you have not seen in Fannin county.  This is what dreams are made of and life doesn’t get any better than what’s coming!   In the meantime, please email or call me with any questions.  

Currently under construction, luxury mountain estate development with sprawling homesites amid an enticing natural landscape of towering trees, rolling hills, lush green valleys.  This family oriented-eco friendly neighborhood where you will be treated like royalty, offers some of the most impressive amenities available to homebuyers in the North Georgia Mountains.

Grand gated entry
14,000 square foot clubhouse
Indoor basketball/racquet ball/volleyball
Outdoor tennis courts
Chip and Putt Golf Center
Family game room
Movie Theatre
27 acre Equestrian Center

This is just the beginnning; I will have much more to come on this exiting venture for our county very soon.  Stay tuned…

Donna Yates, Realtor
North Georgia Mountains
Blue Ridge
www.move2northgeorgia.net
donna@ellijay.com
706-633-0644 cell

Afterall, We Are Neighbors, Aren’t We?

Distilled Drink Resolution in Fannin County, Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia

 

“To drink or not to drink, that is the question”

 

that faces Fannin County voters who will decide on November 6^th.  Although parts of Fannin are already allowed to sell beer and wine, and those who want to drink do, we have an important resolution before us.

 

Fannin County, “gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains”, where the lifestyle here is unhurried, tranquil and surrounded by stunning natural beauty.   Where we enjoy plenty of adventures from waterfall sightseeing, fishing, horseback riding, camping, hiking and boating to name a few.  More importantly, we enjoy all of these things as neighbors.  Neighbors who live next door, down the road or even on the other side of the county.  We run into each other at the store, library, downtown shops, festivals, school events and even eat together in some of the local eatery’s.  Nothing proves more that we are neighbors with no boundaries when it comes to helping out another neighbor through church fund raisers or other venues.  That’s a big part of our mountain charm in Fannin county, we really are neighbors and distance between houses have no bearing.  Let’s remember ETC’s slogan, “neighbors helping neighbors” and not loose sight of this important aspect of our culture when it comes to the debate over the “resolution to authorize the sale of distilled spirits”.

 

Business men and women and developers have some valid points for wanting this resolution to pass.  Clergymen and private citizens also have valid concerns as to why it should not pass.  One side says it will increase our tax revenue, generate new jobs, boost tourism and in turn, real estate.  The other side believes our way of life here is being threatened, that we won’t even recognize our county in less than five years if the resolution passes and we are defeating the purpose as to why people move and visit here in the first place.

 

Well, it seems to me it’s already changing our county if we let it and it hasn’t even come to a vote yet.  I’ve been witness to name calling and intimidation tactics plus articles in the local papers with one side accusing the other of not telling the truth and so on.  This is truly beneath Fannin County residents.  This is not at all necessary between neighbors.  Let’s agree to disagree but with respect for each other. 

 

You have a right to have your voice heard regardless of your position in this matter and you can do that by voting.  You have a responsibility to do what is right for the overall good of this county and it is up to each one to decide what is right.  You have an obligation to know the facts and make an informed, intelligent and rational decision.  Let’s keep our emotions in check.  When this is all over, no matter the outcome, will we still be neighbors?

 Donna Yates, RealtorNorth Georgia Blue Ridge Mountainswww.move2northgeorgia.net Your comments are welcome; however, please keep them civil and clean.  Inappropriate comments will be deleted.  

Liquor by the Drink Vote, Fannin County, North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains

A vote on liquor by the drink is scheduled for the November 6 General Election.  There will be three public hearings on the proposal, possibly more.  The proposal is supposed to only affect unincorporated parts of Fannin County.  The vote will not affect areas within city limits.

Following is a summary of the rough draft of the proposed ordinance as outlined in the Fannin Sentinel, volume 1 number 26:

• To establish reasonable and achievable standards for the regulation and control of the licensing for consumption on premise
• To protect and preserve schools and churches by the establishment of minimum set backs
• To conserve the integrity of communities and prevent a concentrated area of establishments authorized to serve alcoholic beverages or populate areas with objectionable behaviors
• The ordinance will only authorize the serving of alcoholic beverages in restaurants (minimum size and percent of gross income obtained from food sales), hotels with restaurants, and hotel resorts, with strict guidelines that must be met.
• The ordinance will prohibit “brown bagging” and unregulated consumption in Fannin County.
• To prohibit undesirable types of establishments, including but not limited to bars, nightclubs, lewd entertainment that might encourage any type of lewd activity or public nuisance.
• All establishments will be required to obtain at least 55 percent of their revenue from food sales.
• Hours of operation shall be limited to discourage any offensive activity.
• To establish safe and secure setbacks to areas of the community where churches, schools and minors frequently assemble.
• No license shall be issued without meeting residency requirements of Fannin County.
• Managers of all establishments must obtain a license from Fannin County Sheriff’s Department/County Marshall or such other office as may be established.
• To establish penalties for non-compliance for all alcohol related laws.
• To enable our public safety professionals to easily monitor and to supervise all activity corresponding to the consumption of all alcoholic beverages. 
• To authorize and assure the county the right to impose additional excise taxes on alcohol sales.

Commissioner Tommy Ledford wants people to know exactly what they are voting on and says this ordinance summarized above will be even more strict. 

The committe for keeping our tax dollars home states that there will not be a bar on every street corner.  Only restaurants or hotels will be eligible for licenses.  A licensed restaurant will be required to have a minimum number of seats and a percentage of food sales in excess of fifty-five percent.  Plus a full kitchen to be primarily engaged in serving meals.

A resident of Epworth expresses his feelings which are the feelings of a number of other county residents in opposition to passing this ordinance.  “People who moved here in the last 20 years have come to have nice, quiet, peaceful, friendly people to be with and to view our beautiful scenery.  This is where the welcome mat is always out and makes it a wonderful place to raise a family.  A yes vote will change these things in less than 5 years”…  Read more in the Fannin Sentinnel in the Letters and Voices section.

Looks like the residents of Fannin County have quite a decision to make.  Both sides need to be heard fairly and objectively.  Name calling and intimidation by some is uncalled for.  If you care about the future of Fannin County regardless of which positon you take, you have a responsibiity to vote and respect each individual person’s right to their opinion.

Voting Reminder

Registered voters still have time to request an Absentee Ballot.  A request form can be downloaded from the internet  www.fannincountyga.org/pdf/ABA.pdf  or pick up a form at the Board of Elections and Voter Registration office in the Fannin County Courthouse.  Early voting begins on Monday, October 29 and ends Friday, November 2 between 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Board of Elections and Voter Registration office.  Bring only car keys and photo I.D.

Donna Yates, Realtor
North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains
706-633-0644 cell
www.move2northgeorgia.net

Why the Purchase Offer Process is Easier Than Getting a Tattoo!

Buying property in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains: 

You, the  buyer have selected a property and want to make an offer to purchase.  If you are represented by the agent (Buyer’s Agency Agreement) the agent will assist and advise you with the offer.  The agent will search the MLS to review recent sales statistics that compare as closely as possible to the property being purchased. 

This information will include:

••         Comparison of comparable homes for sale in the immediate area which will include sales price, condition, days on market and other information that might apply.

••         Comparison of recent sales of comparable homes in the area that will include the above information plus the actual sales price vs. the listing price.

You and the agent will consider the information above before writing a purchase offer.

The purchase offer will include:

••         Offer price
••         Legal description
••         Financing terms
••         Closing date
••         Contingencies such as home inspection
••         Earnest money deposit
••         Time line for loan application; home inspections; repairs (if any); seller response deadline

Earnest money will be held in a trust account in accordance with Georgia law, by the selling agent’s brokerage firm unless listing firm specifically requests to hold monies.

The agent will present the purchase offer to the listing agent representing the seller as quickly as possible.  The seller has three options:

1. Accept the contract as written    
2. Submit a counter- offer
3. Reject the offer

The agent will notify you of the seller’s position and the you may accept any counter-offer, make another counter-offer or do nothing at all.  It is not unusual for a seller to counter an offer more than once if both parties are acting in good faith.  See, wasn’t that easier than getting a tattoo?!

Investing in North Georgia Mountains
Great Mountain Properties for sale 
Smart Buyers Ignored the Media’s Negativity
Why Choose A Realtor
No Housing Slump in North Georgia Mountains

   

http://www.move2northgeorgia.net/
Donna Yates, Realtor
North Georgia Mountains