Blue Ridge GA Real Estate

North Georgia Home Value in 2012 - Blue Ridge GA Real Estate Outlook

2012-01-27T17:11:00.001-05:00

Blue Ridge GA Real Estate Outlook - North Georgia Home Value in 2012
The value of homes in 2012 will be a hot issue throughout the nation, even more so here in North Georgia. As every New Year begins, people often wonder what home values will do for the 12 ensuing months. Given the recent trends in North Georgia real estate, there’s should be a reason to think 2012 could bring some value.

Since the economy was affected heavily a few years back, the housing market has certainly been hit nationally, as well as locally. Local values were dropped by a heavy percentage and while some have been in a better position, for the most part the area has seen decreasing value in the real estate market.

Luckily, there is a boon of good trends that point to what could be a strong year for the North Georgia real estate market. Apartment rental averages continue to climb all over the state of Georgia, from the top to bottom and that’s no different here locally. Apartment rental averages in North Georgia went up about six percent; compare that to Atlanta which went up six percent and Savannah apartments which went up nine percent. If these rates continue to grow, it would certainly swing potential buyers back on the market, climbing the property ladder.

Record low mortgage rates throughout the country and locally are another sign that buyers could have vested interest in 2012. Compared to the mortgage rates of 2010 and 2009, this year’s costs will be a quarter lower than those times. Experts expect more buyers to be out looking for houses, the key will be closing.

Nationally, real estate experts are expecting a slow climb throughout the 2012 year. Each month is expected to have a positive impact on the real estate market, up until the fourth quarter, which is usually a slow period for home sales because of holidays and vacations.

Certainly each area in North Georgia will have a separate fortune in 2012. Indicators and factors such as price averages, amount of listings and individual sales will continue to be the driving force if the market is to get some rejuvenation this year.

This Blue Ridge GA Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA. Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email mailto:gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your Blue Ridge GA mountain home or property.

Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race - April 9, 2011

2011-03-16T09:57:00.000-04:00

Many of us who live here in Blue Ridge, GA look forward each year to hosting the Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race.

The race consists of up to 100 co-ed teams of three (plus one support person) who hike, mountain bike, run and kayak in the Chattahoochee National Forest.

The teams run along the forested trails of the Chattahoochee National Forest, paddle on the Toccoa River and/or Lake Blue Ridge, mountain bike steep trails and complete mystery challenges along the way.

Each years race offers a new course which begins at a secret location in the Chattahoochee National Forest, and follows a physically challenging path to the finish line located in the Downtown Blue Ridge City Park, with live music, food.

Organizers of this year’s Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race promise a challenging contest with lots of surprises and some of the most stunning scenery anywhere -- plus the famous Blue Ridge hospitality racers have come to expect and enjoy. This year's race has a theme of "Art and Adventure," with the finish line in downtown Blue Ridge Park in front of The Art Center. New this year! A post-race party in the park, reception and meal for racers and support. You can buy extra tickets for family members when you register.

For more information about the race, please visit their website

This Blue Ridge GA Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA. Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email mailto:gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling Blue Ridge GA real estate.

North Georgia Winery Tour Weekend

2011-02-24T11:10:00.000-05:00

Mark you calendar. It's that time again. The 6th annual "Wine Highway Weekend" is scheduled for Friday, March 18, 2011 - Sunday, March 20, 2011, so start planning your North Georgia spring weekend getaway now!

Last year’s event was a great success and this year’s tour looks to be even better!

This is a perfect time to get back in the swing of spring activities and there is no better way to shake the winter doldrums than spending a weekend in the mountains and tasting the Award Winning wines that are made from Georgia Grown Grapes.

This event is 2 full days and includes nine wineries from Young Harris to Dahlonega making Blue Ridge GA a great central location to serve as a base for this event.

Just pick up a copy of the "Taste a Perfect Day" brochure from the Fannin County Chamber, choose which winery you want to visit first, pay a one time fee and make a weekend out of it.

For more information about the event, visit the Winegrowers Association of Georgia website . Also, be sure to check each winery's website for details as the event gets closer, each of the wineries will have their own schedules of events.

This Blue Ridge GA Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA. Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email mailto:gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your Blue Ridge GA mountain home or property.

Technology for Real Estate

2011-02-23T08:04:00.000-05:00

Blue Ridge GA Real Estate is pleased to welcome guest blogger Jeff Norman. Today, Jeff shares with us his perspectives on the important role of techonology in real estate.

Jeff Norman is a writer based in New York City. He is a guest blogger for My Dog Ate My Blog and writes on online colleges and universities for Guide to Online Schools.

Technology for Real Estate

When many people envision the idea of a career in real estate, they might foresee a broker or agent needing a skill set similar to that of an Avon Lady. A smile, perkiness, and a willingness to trek from door to door in pursuit of sales is definitely an admirable assemblage of assets. But to today's real estate community, a fresh and souped-up array of technologically savvy abilities in not only favorable—it's downright mandatory. The Internet and its myriad whiz-bang-glam features polarize those unfamiliar with the Web; like a powerful magnet, they can either attract your optimism, or repel you into an anti-tech stupor. Hopefully this article encourages you to lean toward the latter response and embrace how new technology can shore up your real estate repertoire.

First of all, you're strongly advised to get a Gmail account as your primary business e-mail. Yes, Gmail, not Yahoo or the like. Google's electronic messaging service stands out for its flexibility and diversity of assets, such as calendar and task functions. What is more, Gmail allows its users to ease the maintenance and accessing of their database of clientele. And every e-mail sent from Gmail includes the sent address as well as a customizable sign-off—the perfect way to sustain recognition of your personal brand and styling.

For pictures, there is really no better internet system right now than Picasa. Simply put, Picasa makes picture management (essential for anyone in the real estate industry looking to achieve expertise) fun and easy. It has never been simpler to create sophisticated albums that can be geotagged and coordinated with what's on your desktop. Want to beef up your real estate acumen? Consider Picasa obligatory.

And now (drumroll, please), two words that strike fear into the hearts of anyone afraid of the real power possible with the Internet: social networking. Here are two more words to give trepidatious readers even more terror: Facebook and Twitter. Now that the big bad words are out in the air, we implore you not to apprehend these tools. Simply put, maintaining an active Facebook and Twitter page for your real estate affairs is one of the smartest ideas you can implement to immediately impact your success, from listing to escrow. Tweet often, and stock your Facebook page regularly with pictures not only of your properties, but also of yourself and your staff. Users online want to feel connected to the people of their networks, and they reward those who show an Avon-Lady grin or two online with increased attention.

Lastly, here are a few blogs that build off of the tips we've supplied to you here, and will keep your technological savvy well-spiced and up-to-date. Real Estate Technology features a consistent stream of quick yet cogent, counsel-filled postings that you can implement into your office right here, right now. And Geek Estate makes good on its promise to field relevant info for real estate people who want to harness technology's best.

We hope, after reading this, you're a member of that latter group!

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA. Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling Blue Ridge GA real estate.

This appraiser keeps killing my deals!

2011-01-25T08:55:00.000-05:00

I realize that real estate appraisers took a lot of heat when the real estate market crashed, so I understand that most are somewhat hesitant now. However, it seems that some have gone to the opposite extreme, just to cover themselves, rather than simply do their jobs correctly.

In the last quarter of 2010 I had 2 deals fall apart because one local appraiser chooses to include a statement in his report which serves no purpose other than to protect himself.

In both cases the property sales price was at, or well below, fair market value with sufficient comps to provide an accurate appraisal. However, the appraiser still chose to put this statement in the text of the report:

"SUBJECT'S CONTRACT PRICE OF $XXX,000 RECEIVED MOST OF THE WEIGHT IN THIS REPORT"

And, in both cases the deal fell apart!

In the first case the buyer walked away because she felt that this statement meant that she was obviously overpaying for the property – despite the fact that I provided her with comps showing she was paying $50k less than the next lowest sales price in the neighborhood.

In the second case, the mortgage company approved the buyer's loan, but the PMI company refused to insure the loan because they were “uncomfortable with the value” based on the statement.

Obviously my deals are not the only ones he’s torpedoed with this CYA tactic, but I’m still irritated with the fact that he walks off… humming a happy tune… with his full paycheck while leaving a trail of broken deals behind him.

What is your professional opinion of this?

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA. Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Cell: (706) 455-0180 ~ Office (706) 258-2303 ~ Email: gaylebarton@tds.net

~ Mailing Address: 709 East Main St., Blue Ridge GA 30513

Serving your real estate needs in Blue Ridge, GA 30513 ~ Mineral Bluff, GA 30559 ~ Morganton, GA 30560 ~ Epworth, GA 30541

Disclaimer: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice.

Sometimes it seems that the mortgage business has gone insane!

2011-01-24T16:07:00.000-05:00

So, can someone explain this to me?? Perhaps I have simply missed the "logic boat" here, but I don't think so.

I have a buyer with $190k CASH to put down on a property. He has good credit, and has lived in the same home (which he just refinanced) for many years. He is a successful business owner of 10+ years, but he can't get a mortgage for a $340k second home with a 56% down payment because his "ratios are bad".

Now we're not talking about a "problem child" here - just a business owner whose income dropped slightly due to the economy, but who still makes a great living for his family. They have money in the bank, a secure business and $1.5m in personal assets. They even have the remainder of the payoff in an IRA that they will have access to in just over a year. (Heck, I may even loan them the money for the right rate!)

Contrast that with a buyer whose has only 10% to put down (but great ratios). This buyer will get signed up immediately!

So what happens if the real estate market drops just a bit? Which one of these buyers do you think is likely to bail out on their mortgage? Which one is likely to leave the bank with a foreclosure that's worth less than what is owed? I can all but guarantee that it's not the one with the HUGE investment!

I can tell you that if it were my money involved, I would bet on the buyer who has great credit, a strong business history and a huge down payment. Oh, well... at the end of the day it's not my money, but I still don't follow the logic.

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA. Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Need a Lower Payment? Recasting Your Mortgage May be the Answer

2011-01-12T09:43:00.000-05:00

Need a Lower Payment? Recasting Your Mortgage May be the Answer

I received a call yesterday from a previous client who was afraid that he may be forced to sell his home due to an unexpected job loss.

He had been making extra principal payments every year for the last few years which had allowed him to pay down a huge portion of the principal. That was fine when he had a job, but now he and his wife are struggling to make the regular monthly payment and he has no money to pay the closing costs for a traditional refinance.

As luck would have it, I had recently read an article in the New York Times that discussed “recasting” your mortgage to lower the payment so I looked it back up and passed it on to him.

Recasting is basically re-amortizing the remaining principal on the loan – requesting that the bank have the monthly payments reset according to the original interest rate and loan terms based on the current, much lower, principal amount.

The article explained that there is usually a minimal fee involved but “borrowers are not required to pay closing costs or submit to another credit check, because they are not asking for a new loan.”

Not all banks offer this service and recasting only works for those who have prepaid a large portion of the loan, but it may be just the thing my client needs to stay in his house.

I’ll be interested to see it works out.

READ>> FULL ARTICLE

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA. Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Last Gallery Walk of the Year - Blue Ridge, GA

2010-12-15T11:28:00.000-05:00

Saturday, December 18 · 5:30pm - 9:00pm

The last Art Walk of the year will begin at Multitudes Gallery then visit Abreu Fine Art Gallery, High Country Art & Antiques and Turning Leaf Wood Art - A Fine Art Gallery. (Click each gallery name to access more info)

It's also the 8th anniversary party for Multitudes Gallery and they are having a Champagne Celebration! A drawing will be held every hour for a beautiful hand blown Christmas Ornament!

Abreau Fine Art Gallery
497 East Main Street
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706-946-3278

Multitudes
801 East Main Street
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706-632-1718

Turning Leaf
651 East Main Street
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706-632-6625

High Country Art
715 East Main Street
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706-632-6882

There are also several fine restaurants which are open to complete your evening.

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA. Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Luxury Log Home For Sale In Aska Adventure Area Blue Ridge, GA

2010-11-20T11:10:00.000-05:00

Upscale Cabin w/ Spectacular Mountain View For Sale in Blue Ridge, GA

603 Raccoon Road

Blue Ridge, GA 30513

MLS# 205774

$379,900

Ever dreamed of having your own luxury log home in the mountains?? Well now is the time to make that dream a reality!

This spectacular log home is located in the popular ASKA ADVENTURE AREA known for its peaceful setting, extraordinary mountain views, fun outdoor activities and abundant wildlife.

This cabin is located in a pretty log home development of upscale log homes - mixture of rentals and second homes.

Inside, this like-new cabin offers tons of upgraded features. The 2-story family room features a sky-high stone hearth fireplace which is wood burning, and large windows overlooking a beautiful mountain view.

In addition, you will find a fully equipped kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, a large dining area and 3 roomy bedrooms .

The lower level gameroom / 2nd family room boasts 12' ceilings making it the perfect place for hours of family fun.

**Owner quote: "You can feel the tension just leave your body as you walk in the door."

Print a flyer Print MLS sheet View this cabin on YouTube

To see more about this home, or any of my listings, you can check them out here: View my Blue Ridge Real Estate Listings

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA. Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

WHY THE HOLIDAYS ARE A GREAT TIME TO SELL YOUR CABIN

2010-11-08T09:09:00.000-05:00

Who says that the holidays are a bad time to sell your property??

NOT ME!

Blue Ridge, GA is a popular tourist destination just 90 miles north of Atlanta and the holidays are one of our busiest seasons.

During Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks our town is bustling with happy families making happy family memories they wish would never end. And, many feel that the best way to keep those memories alive is to BUY their mountain cabin!

In an area where the mountain cabin or luxury log home can be used as a vacation rental to generate income when the owner is not staying in it, who wouldn’t want a home-away-from-home?

If you are thinking about selling your mountain cabin or luxury log home, but fear that it won’t sell just because we’re nearing the holidays, call me today and I’ll show how professional marketing can get the job done in any season!

Making Your Home OPEN HOUSE Ready

2010-10-26T19:26:00.000-04:00

Making Your Home OPEN HOUSE Ready

My husband and I currently have our home in Blue Ridge, GA on the market and plan to move to an area about 75 miles south – closer to my husband’s office – when it sells. On a recent “scouting trip” to that area we noticed an OPEN HOUSE sign in one of our top choice neighborhoods and decided to stop in for a peak.

The front door was open when we arrived so we stepped into the foyer with a loud “Hello” to alert the agent on duty that someone was in the home only to find a woman in baggy sweats and a grungy t-shirt trying to wrangle a couple of screaming kids intent on trouncing us as they ran through the house and out the front door.

My first thought was that we must be there on the wrong day, but no, this was the real estate agent/owner and she was “happy that we had stopped by, but she needed to put her son down for a nap so we should feel free to just walk on through on our own”. (Now there’s a security breach if I’ve ever seen one!)

To say that we were shocked was a bit of an understatement. To find out that the home was owned by a licensed and ACTIVE real estate agent almost floored me as she was breaking EVERY open house rule in the book. It was then that it dawned on me that if an agent is confused about open house protocol than perhaps many “regular” homeowner/sellers may be making some of the same mistakes so I decide to write up a quick blog in an effort to “stop the madness”!

1) CLEAN the house: Dead bugs in the foyer and filthy, matted carpeting do not set the right tone with a buyer looking for a home in a $400K neighborhood. (No matter what the price point, there is no such thing as too clean when your home is on the market.)

2) NO KIDS: Leave the property to the professionals. Having your family at home during an open house (or any showing, for that matter) distracts potential buyers and makes them uncomfortable. This will only limit their ability to really look at the house as opening closets and cupboards seems very personal when the owner is just over your shoulder.

3) NO PETS: I love dogs, but many people have allergies and just seeing a pet, or pet paraphernalia, is enough to squash their interest in a property.

4) NO STRONG SMELLS: Do not cook a big bacon and onion filled breakfast just before an open house (maybe that’s why the front door was open…) People can be put off by strong odors, even non-offensive ones like perfume or room spray.

5) NEUTRALIZE YOUR PAINT COLORS: The pink and purple “princess room” was adorable, but I don’t have a little girl and it just looked like a great big project to me!

6) MOVE THE JUNK: If the basement (or attic) is unfinished, move the junk so a buyer can see where things are – this one was supposedly stubbed for a full bath ( a make or break item for us), but we couldn’t find the plumbing under all the junk.

7) MAKE A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION: If you want buyers walking through the front door your home must first impress them with its curb appeal. Landscaping should be clean and neat, paint should be fresh and toys should be put away.

Basically, what I’m saying is DON’T OVERLOOK THE OBVIOUS when you’re trying to sell. Every minute you spend making your home “show ready” is worthwhile.

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA. Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Blue Ridge GA Home Builders Showcase 2010

2010-10-14T14:13:00.000-04:00

ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT BUILDING A MOUNTAIN CABIN or LOG CABIN IN NORTH, GA??

Then you will certainly want to attend the Fannin County Home Builders Showcase 2010 being held in Blue Ridge, GA on October 16th & 17th. All exhibits will be located in the downtown Blue Ridge city park.

The event is open to the public with no admission fee.

The show will host exhibitors from the building industry: Architects, Builders, Cabinet Makers, Developers, Flooring, Glassworks, Heating/Cooling, Home Furnishings, Insurers, Mortgage Lenders, Realtors, Security Systems, Stonework, Surveyors and more.

Food vendors & prize drawings.
Saturday from 8-5 p.m. and Sunday from 10-5 p.m.

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA. Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Apple Picking at Mercier Orchards Blue Ridge, GA

2010-09-11T04:54:00.000-04:00

U-Pick 2010 is here!!!!

Mercier Orchards, nestled in the quaint north Georgia mountain town of Blue Ridge, has been growing apples since 1943. This year they celebrate 67 years of business and their business has never been stronger!

I invite you to come experience "a taste of the mountains" at Mercier Orchards. The U-pick event is fun for the whole family. Enjoy lunch at the deli/bakery or a wonderful wagon ride through the orchards.

Apple picking is on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Mercier Orchards
1.5 miles north from 515 on Hwy 5
706-632-3411
Visit web site

Dates for this event

September 11, 2010- September 12, 2010

September 18, 2010- September 19, 2010

September 25, 2010- September 26, 2010

October 02, 2010- October 03, 2010

October 09, 2010- October 10, 2010

Hope to see you there!

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA. Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

SIGN UP for my NEWSLETTER - Blue Ridge GA Real Estate

2010-08-27T14:20:00.000-04:00

My September newsletter just went out.... Didn't get it??

I would like to offer you an opportunity to sign up for my FREE seasonal newsletter called
Blue Ridge, GA - What's New!

The newsletter is written to provide you with real estate related information as well as general information about our beautiful town and the surrounding North Georgia mountain communities.

As a subscriber, you will receive information about upcoming area events, new business openings and "special deals" - many offered exclusively to our clients. [See coupons for local businesses in each edition]

You may opt out of receiving the newsletter at any time by using the link at the bottom of the page.

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA. Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

New Real Estate Listing - Ellijay, GA Mountain View Cabin

2010-08-16T13:14:00.000-04:00

Wow, what a garage!

We don't see these very often in the North Georgia mountains, and this one is great... room for 2 cars, a work bench and a huge upper level for storage.

Oh, yeah.. and there's a beautiful 2 bedroom/2 bath cabin with a mountain view as well!

MLS# 203035 $279,900

You'll find this warm and inviting 2/2 cabin nestled in a beautiful 3 acre wooded setting offering
TOTAL PRIVACY and a YEAR-ROUND MOUNTAIN VIEW (even more can be cut!).

This well loved log home is located in a private, gated log home community featuring PAVED ROADS near Springer Mountain making it convenient to hiking the Appalachian Trail and fishing or tubing on the Toccoa and Cartecay rivers.

The cabin has been VERY WELL MAINTAINED and NEVER RENTED so it offers many personal touches that the average rental cabin in this price range simply cannot.

With its large rooms, year-round mountain view and private setting, it will make a perfect full-time home, or vacation getaway spot.

The only problem is ..... You'll never want to leave!

Real Estate - Try it Before you Buy It

2010-08-02T15:24:00.000-04:00

Have you ever wished you could try a property out BEFORE you put a contract on it??? If it is one of my listings, you just might have that option....

Several of the cabin properties I have listed have agreed to participate in a
"Try it BEFORE you Buy Program" which will refund 100% of your rental fee, at closing, if you decide to purchase the property.

Please take a few moments to check out these beautiful North Georgia mountain cabins online.

ALL are being offered as FULLY FURNISHED TURN-KEY RENTALS, but each would make a great private vacation get-away for your family as well!

See more info on the "Try Before you Buy" program:
MORE >>

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA. Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

What Makes a Vacation Cabin a Successful Rental Investment?

2010-07-22T11:41:00.002-04:00

I speak with clients daily who all seem to be searching for the same property: A luxury log cabin with a great mountain view which is suitable for use as both a private getaway as well as a lucrative rental investment.

What Makes a Vacation Cabin a Successful Rental Investment?

For the most part, the North Georgia vacation rental market is glutted with "average" cabins. Buyers should be looking for a "special" property that will stand out from the crowd.

I suggest a cabin that is:

1) Within 10(+-) miles of town - The farther out you go, the more difficult it will be to find a property manager. It can also reduce your number of repeat & referral customers as it is inconvenient for them to get to stores and attractions.

2) Has either a beautful mountain view or is on good water (loud, visible and easily accessible) - A very secluded/private cabin is nice, but is not generally the first cabin requested.

3) A nice kitchen - As there are limited choices for eating out in most mountain areas, guests will use the kitchen quite heavily. If the cabin will sleep more than 4 guests, I would strongly suggest that you consider only cabins which offer a dishwasher.

4) Central heat & air is a must and paved roads are becoming a more frequently requested amenity.

The fact is that while many vacationers say they want to feel like they have experienced "roughing it in the mountains", they really do not want to be uncomfortable or inconvenienced at any time! In fact, our surveys showed that while on vacation paying guests expect their lodging accomodations to be "better than what they have at home".

Finding a cabin that meets your family's needs, but will also serve as a successful rental, can be tricky. Be sure that the agent you select to assist you has a FULL understanding of the vacation rental market in your area or your time and money can easily be wasted!

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA. Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Real Estate North Georgia mountain vacation rental cabin in Blue Ridge.

2010-07-13T15:39:00.000-04:00

*** DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS ONE ***

GREAT turn-key investment - North Georgia mountain vaction rental cabin in Blue Ridge.

Originally priced at $369,900. But, the owner WANTS TO SELL, so he has now listed it at $259,900.
FULLY FURNISHED turn-key rental with strong rental history.

Don't Miss "The Art Walk" in Blue Ridge, GA

2010-07-11T19:29:00.000-04:00

Beginning in June, the 3rd Saturday of each month, the following galleries will be open from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. for you to enjoy.

The Art Walk will begin or end with Multitudes Gallery or Abreu Fine Art Gallery, then visit High Country Art & Antiques and Turning Leaf Wood Art - A Fine Art Gallery. (Click each gallery name to access more info)

Abreau Fine Art Gallery
497 East Main Street
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706-946-3278

Multitudes
801 East Main Street
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706-632-1718

Turning Leaf
651 East Main Street
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706-632-6625

High Country Art
715 East Main Street
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706-632-6882

Dates for this event:

July 17, 2010
August 21, 2010
September 18, 2010
October 16, 2010

There are also several fine restaurants which are open to complete your evening.

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA. Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Upside for Sellers in a Bad Real Estate Market??

2010-07-09T11:13:00.000-04:00

Is this an Upside for Sellers in a Bad Real Estate Market??

Read the full story>> REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Global Interest in U.S. Homeownership Gains

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

$$ PRICE DROP $$ on Adorable Mountain Cabin in Blue Ridge, GA

2010-06-25T12:17:00.000-04:00

130 Icy Lane
Blue Ridge, GA 30513

MLS# 196234

NEW PRICE $195K

This adorable 3 bedroom cabin is nestled in the trees near Fightingtown Creek (you can hear the creek through the trees) and offers a peaceful and private wooded setting.

The cabin has been very WELL MAINTAINED and NEVER RENTED so it is in great condition.

The layout and rare garage make it perfect for a full time residence or weekend getaway.

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA. Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Warm and Inviting Luxury Cabin Nestled in a Beautiful Wooded Setting

2010-06-23T18:11:00.000-04:00

I love this listing! and it has a **NEW LOW PRICE**
MLS# 195766 $324,900

This well loved luxury log home is located in the popular “Shepherd’s Ridge” log home development just a few miles outside of Blue RIdge, GA making it convenient to hiking and fishing or tubing, on the Toccoa River.

This cabin has been VERY WELL MAINTAINED and NEVER RENTED so it offers HIGHEND FINISHES and many personal touches that the average rental cabin in this price range simply cannot.

With it’s large rooms and upscale finish work, it will make a perfect full-time residence, vacation rental or weekend getaway spot.

The upper level offers a private master suite with a sitting room and private screened porch.

The lower level offers a large second family room, a private bedroom, tons of storage and a full, tiled bath. The lower level family room opens onto a large patio ready for your hot tub.

The only problem is ..... You'll never want to leave!

Summer Fun in Blue Ridge, GA

2010-06-21T11:16:00.000-04:00

Don't miss out on all the summer fun happening in the North Georgia mountains.

Pickin' in the Park

Pickin' in Horseshoe Bend Park is held every Thursday evening from 6:00 PM til dusk through the end of September.

It includes live music jams and pickin' on the banks of the Toccoa River at the Horseshoe Bend Park in McCaysville (bring your banjo and jump on in...). Admission is FREE. Come out, and bring the whole family to enjoy the experience. Picnic tables are available, but you are also welcome to bring a blanket or chair to sit on the nice grassy lawn. The park is wheelchair accessible

Directions to Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park: Hwy 5 (Blue Ridge Highway) north till it ends, then right on Hwy 60 and then right on River Road, follow to the park entrance on your right.

Celebrate 4th of July in Blue Ridge, GA

Parade:

Come and enjoy an old-fashioned Fourth of July parade in Historic Downtown Blue Ridge. E Main Street - July 3rd at 10:00 a.m.

Fireworks over Lake Blue Ridge:

Barbeque and live music from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Blue Ridge marina. Fireworks display begins at dusk. For more information, call 706-632-2618

Concerts in the Park
Downtown Blue Ridge Park, July & August

Good music in a beautiful setting on warm summer nights. Bring your own quilt or lawn chair and a picnic supper. Call the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association for more information, (706) 632-2144.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA. Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Swan Drive-in Movie Theater in Blue Ridge, GA

2010-06-18T14:24:00.000-04:00

Did you know that Blue Ridge, GA still has an active drive-in movie?

We do and it’s great!

Built in 1955, the Swan Drive-in is one of only 5 left in the state of Georgia. It is open year-round and runs first-run movies so it popular with locals and visitors alike.

You can check what’s showing or see more info here: http://www.swan-drive-in.com/

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA. Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Senate Extends Tax Credit Closing Deadline

2010-06-17T20:16:00.000-04:00

Great news for those who were unable to use the Home Buyer tax credit before it expired in April.

The Senate has voted to extend the closing deadline for the creidt to September 30, 2010.
The bill must still be approved by the House, but that seems very likely to occur as it is part of the overall jobless benefits package before Congress now.
read more>>

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted byGayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Commercial Building For Sale - Central Business District - Blue Ridge, GA

2010-06-17T13:40:00.000-04:00

Checkout the gorgeous lodge-style commercial building I have listed in the heart of the CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT in quaint downtown Blue Ridge, GA

**NEW PRICE** $675,000
More information about this lisiting

Geocaching in Blue Ridge, GA = High-tech Treasure Hunting

2010-06-16T14:42:00.000-04:00

Many who visit the North Georgia mountains these days are doing so with one purpose in mind - geocaching.

As described by geocaching.com, geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, and then enter your experiences online.

There are currently over 300 geocaches around Blue Ridge, GA ranging in difficulty from easy to very challenging, so this is a game for the whole family. Just follow the link, sign up for your FREE account, download the data for geocaches you want to find and head for the hills!

Our family will be joining the fun this summer, so hopefully, we'll see you here!

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA. Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

SIGN UP for my NEWSLETTER - Blue Ridge GA Real Estate

2010-06-14T14:37:00.000-04:00

Real Estate Investment Made EASY - Buy a Succesful Turn-key Vacation Rental

2010-06-02T15:46:00.000-04:00

Are you considering the purchase of a vacation home that can double as a rental cabin or investment property when you’re not there?

Why buy a property that "might" prove to be a good investment when you can purchase one that already is?

Buying a turn-key vacation rental cabin in the North GA mountains can make real estate investment EASY - whether you are a first time buyer or an experienced investor.

Check out this great option for just $279,900 K MLS# 196231

This 3 bedroom / 3 bath cabin is already active in a successful rental management program, and it is being sold turn-key – all furnishings including hot tub and pool table stay with property.

What does that mean for you? A built-in rental following day one - no waiting for your property to be "found" by rental clients.

NOW is a GREAT TIME TO INVEST IN REAL ESTATE! Property prices are low and so are interest rates!

If you would like more information about this property, or just have questions abou the market in general, please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA. Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Cabin w/ DEEDED ACCESS to the TOCCOA RIVER for sale Blue Ridge, GA.

2010-05-25T18:48:00.000-04:00

**PRICED LOWERED***

$199,900 MLS#195651

Check out this adorable 2/2 mountain cabin w/ DEEDED ACCESS to the TOCCOA RIVER for sale Blue Ridge, GA.

The cabin sits in a beautiful wooded setting that provides tons of privacy.
Located in the popular Aska Adventure Area it also provides DEEDED ACCESS to the TOCCOA RIVER.

A HUGE lower level paty deck, in addition to the main level covered porch, provides plenty of room for lounging or entertaining.

With 2 bedrooms and a sleeping loft there's more than enough room for everyone! Click here to see more photos

This is North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by:

Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property. This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA. Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

GREAT turn-key investment - North Georgia mountain vaction rental cabin in Blue Ridge.

2010-05-11T15:58:00.000-04:00

*** DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS ONE ***

121 Crossrock Drive

Blue Ridge, GA 30513
MLS# 199165
$275,000.

GREAT turn-key investment - North Georgia mountain vaction rental cabin in Blue Ridge.

4 bedroom/ 3 bath FULLY FURNISHED turn-key rental with strong rental history.

DON'T MISS THIS great real estate investment rental cabin in Blue Ridge

2010-04-23T17:14:00.000-04:00

*** DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS ONE ***
GREAT turn-key investment - North Georgia mountain vaction rental cabin in Blue Ridge.

Originally priced at $369,900. But the owner WANTS TO SELL, so he has listed it at $289,900.

FULLY FURNISHED turn-key rental with strong rental history.

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA. Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Guest writer - J. Byron Wyndham, Real Estate Attorney, blogs on the new HUD Statement

2010-04-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

Blue Ridge Georgia Real Estate is pleased to welcome guest blogger and local real estate attorney J. Byron Wyndham. Today, Byron tells us more about the new "HUD" statement - a standard form used in residential real estate closings.

"Borrowers In Shock?"
The Final Rule mandated by Dept of Housing and Urban Development changing the standard closing statement (also called a “HUD”) has been in effect for almost four months now. It was not an issue in the first month, since all loans that had originated prior to January 1, 2010 could be closed on the “old” HUD. However, we are now required to utilize the new HUD on nearly all loans.

What reactions have I seen to the new HUD? To begin with, not all lenders and attorneys really know how to prepare the new HUD. Mistakes are not unusual. I recently had a lender and investor disagree about the figures on the HUD. For two days we watched and read emails being sent back and forth between the lender and the investor before they finally found agreement with the figures on the HUD. Borrowers also are perplexed by the new paperwork. I see faces that appear confused and dazed as I explain the figures on the HUD.

As a closing attorney, I have always tried to explain the HUD in some detail. I firmly believe that every borrower needs to understand the numbers and the terms of the loan. But I find myself now having to judge exactly how much information is too much information. I don’t want to scare a new buyer/borrower with tons of information, but I also want them to be free to ask questions about things they don’t understand.

It is easy to read the numbers in the borrower’s column. With the new HUD, the numbers represent the total of fees in the body of the HUD. These numbers are such that they can be seen, totaled and explained very easily. However, the information given in the left hand section (outside the borrower’s column) of the second page of the new HUD is confusing. I don’t believe many borrowers can understand them. As experienced as we real estate professionals are, this new HUD has taken countless hours and ‘trial and error’ efforts for many of us to understand it. It may be difficult for a buyer/borrower to grasp in one closing.

The bottom line: unfortunately, I think that the new HUD may have the opposite effect from that intended by the federal regulators. Instead of a clearer understanding of the breakdown of fees, we are having more misunderstandings; instead of clarification, we are having more confusion. We will be waiting to see how this all ends up. Clear?

For more information about short sales, foreclosures or other real estate related matters, please visit his website or email him at jbwyndham@tds.net

J. Byron Wyndham
2460 E. First St. Suite B-6
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706.258.6222

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA. Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Gayle Barton has earned the Nationally recognized (SFR) Short Sales and Foreclosure Certification

2010-04-06T08:46:00.000-04:00

Gayle Barton, a Realtor with ERA - The Real Estate Connection in Blue Ridge, GA has earned the Nationally recognized Short Sales and Foreclosure Certification (SFR) from the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council of NAR. The certification program includes training on how to qualify sellers for short sales, negotiate with lenders, protect buyers, and limit risk, and provides resources to help REALTORS® stay current on national and state-specific information as the market for these distressed properties evolves. To earn the certification, she completed a one-day comprehensive classroom education program including passing a written test and three one hour webinars. The program provides resources to help stay current on national and state-specific information as the market for these distressed properties evolves.

Gayle will be contacting and assisting Fannin County lenders dealing with REO issues as well as homeowners facing foreclosure. She is also available to address the many Short Sale questions generally asked by cabin owners in distress, and to discuss options other than foreclosure.

Though the timeline related to the foreclosure process depends mainly on your lender, new programs were put in place on 4/5/10 so you may still be able to avoid foreclosure if you act immediately

If you would like to schedule a confidential consultation or proceed with the short sale of your home, please contact her by phone at 866-413-1781 or email gaylebarton@tds.net. **All communication will be held in strict confidence.

So, You Want to Buy a Short Sale….

2010-03-30T13:45:00.000-04:00

Are you looking to buy a new home or investment property? Now is a great time to be a buyer as the current real estate market holds many bargains to be found.

Foreclosures are one option, but in many cases you will find that these properties are heavily damaged or in a state of disrepair. Another option is to make an offer on a short sale.

FORECLOSURE – what does that mean?

A foreclosure is when the bank, or lending institution, has taken the property back due to non-payment of the mortgage and is selling the property directly.

SHORT SALE – what does that mean?

If a home is being sold as a “short sale” that means that it is being sold for less than the current owner owes on the property and the seller does not have the funds to make up the difference at closing. Due to a number of factors, including job losses, aggressive borrowing against their home in the days of easy credit, and declining home values in a slower real estate market more home owners are finding themselves in this situation.

In most cases, the homeowner involved in a short sale still lives in the property so it has not been vandalized and may require less work or repair.

Homeowners often try to accomplish a short sale in order to avoid foreclosure as it is less damaging to their credit.

While a short sale can be a bargain, there are a few things you need to know before you make an offer.

HOW DOES A SHORT SALE WORK FOR A BUYER?

When you write a contract on a short sale property it will be sent to the Seller (just like a normal contract). If the Seller accepts and signs the contract it will then be sent to the Lender for approval.

Some Lenders will have proactively worked on the property package and will know what they will accept. In this case, the short sale approval can be as short as 60 days. Some Lenders will not begin this process until a contract has been received. In these cases, the standard approval can take six to eight months!

I have read statistics that say that because of this lag up to 60% of short sales fail due the Buyer losing interest or finding another property.

However, a new program (HAFA) is due to begin 4/5/10 which was created to streamline these requirements and shorten the timeline. This is expected to help Buyers, Sellers and Lenders by getting more short sales completed.

WHO IS A GOOD SHORT SALE CANDIDATE?

While a short sale can be an excellent way to get a bargain in today’s market, it is not a good choice for all buyers.

You're a good candidate for a short-sale purchase if:

You're very patient - Even after you come to agreement with the seller to buy a short-sale property, the seller’s lender has to approve the sale before you can close. When there is only one mortgage, short-sale experts say lender approval typically takes about two months. If there is more than one mortgage with different lenders, it can take four months or longer for the lenders to approve the sale. (HAFA is a new government program that is set to begin on 4/5/10 which should reduce this time frame.)

Your financing is in order – For obvious reasons, Lenders prefer cash offers. However, if you can’t pay all cash for a short-sale property, it’s important to show you are well qualified and your financing is set. If you have a written pre-approval, a large down payment, and can close at any time, your offer will be viewed more favorably than that of a buyer whose financing is less secure.

You don’t have any contingencies - If you have a home to sell before you can close on the purchase of the short-sale property, or you need to be in your new home by a certain time, a short sale may not be for you. Lenders like no-contingency offers and flexible closing terms.

You make a reasonable offer - The Lender is already losing money so they want to minimize those losses as much as possible. If you make an offer that is significantly lower than the fair market value of the home, chances are that your offer will be rejected and you’ll have wasted your time and everyone else’s.

Here are a few other things that a Buyer needs to be prepared for.

“AS IS” Property - The property may require repairs and the buyer will most likely be asked to take the property “as is.” Because the Lender is already taking a loss on the property they may not agree to requests for repair credits. Be sure to speak with a qualified and experienced agent about how you can write the contract to protect yourself in this circumstance should significant damage be found during the inspection.

Unworkable terms - When a lender approves a short sale, it may require that the sellers sign a promissory note agreeing to repay the remaining amount of the loan (called the deficiency). This may not be acceptable to some financially desperate sellers. In which case, the Seller may refuse to go through with the short sale. Lenders can also change the terms of the contract that you already negotiated, which may not be agreeable to you. In that case, you may refuse to go through with the short sale.

As you can see there are a few downsides to making an offer on a short sale. But if you have the time, patience, and will to see it through, a short sale can be a win-win for you and the sellers.

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Celebrating Easter in Blue Ridge, GA - North Georgia Mountains

2010-03-23T09:45:00.001-04:00

Plan a spring getaway to the North Georgia mountains and celebrate Easter with us!

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is once again running the Easter Egg-spress – Saturday, April 3 @ 4:00pm. Bring along your Easter Basket and travel a few miles out of town to farmer Brown’s field where the children hunt for the Easter Eggs and greet the Easter Bunny. For those 2 and above the fare is $16.00. No charge for those under 2 not occupying a seat.

As part of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event, an Easter Egg Hunt will be held in the downtown City Park in Blue Ridge on Saturday, April 3rd at 1:00 PM

Easter Jubilee @ Lilly Pad Village
(7.5 Miles out Aska Road on the left)
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on April 3rd

Easter Bonnet Pet Parade, bring your pet and win a prize. Photo's with the Easter Bunny, Easter Egg Hunt, (Bring your own basket) Arts and Crafts Vendors, Live Music, Hot Dogs, Chips and Beverages. Admission: $5.00 per person, kids under 10 free. Proceeds to benefit Firestation Lucky #13. Organized by the Aska Adventure Association. 1-706-534-1317

Hope to see you there!

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Guest writer - J. Byron Wyndham, Real Estate Attorney, blogs on the future of our economy.

2010-03-18T11:53:00.001-04:00

Blue Ridge Georgia Real Estate is pleased to welcome guest blogger and local real estate attorney J. Byron Wyndham. Today, Byron shares with us his perspectives on the future of our economy.

Our Economic Future....

I recently had the privilege to attend a seminar where economist Dr. Donald Ratajczak spoke on his insights into our economic future. Dr. Ratajczak is a noted economist, the former head of the Georgia State University economic forecasting center and a noted worldwide lecturer. His opinions are in demand by the media and he is often sought after by major television networks for his thoughts on the economy.

Below is a summary of what Dr. Ratajczak sees for our economy in the near future:

Banks are reeling from the bad loans that were made over the past few years. Many lenders are surprised to find out how bad their portfolios really are. The banks feel that federal regulators are looking over their shoulders. How do the banks keep the regulators at bay? How do they improve their loan portfolios? They need lend…to good qualified borrowers. Then the banks will have more good loans in their portfolios.

Are we in an economic recovery? Yes, but it is not the traditional recovery that is usually led by the housing sector. Housing, in this recession, is a laggard. We have a two to three year inventory of unoccupied residential houses. However, by 2013, the inventory should be back to “normal.”

The recovery is slow because the banks won’t lend. New loans are DOWN eight per cent (8%) from this time a year ago. However, deposits are UP eight per cent (8%) from last year. When lending is down and deposits are up, the banks have money. They have plenty of money to lend if they would do so.

The banks need to change their manner of lending in order to get better loans into their portfolios. With a required credit score of 700, only one-third of the population can qualify for a loan. If the criteria were lowered to 675, then forty-five per cent (45%) of the population could qualify for a loan.

The Jobs Report for February showed a loss of thirty thousand jobs. However, sixty-four thousand of those job losses were in construction and government. State governments are letting people go to save money; state governments are experiencing large deficits and the fastest and easiest way for government to save money is to cut jobs. If the construction industry and government jobs are removed from the report, we actually had an increase of thirty thousand jobs last month. This trend should continue into the future.

Temporary jobs have also been increasing for the last five months. This will lead to job growth as temps are hired and made permanent workers. We should see continued job growth in March, April, and May.

For more information about short sales or other real estate related matters, please visit his website or email him at jbwyndham@tds.net

J. Byron Wyndham
2460 E. First St. Suite B-6
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706.258.6222

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

DON'T FORGET The 5th Annual Wine Highway Weekend

2010-03-14T08:56:00.000-04:00

Mark you calendar. It's that time again. The 5th annual "Wine Highway Weekend" is schedule for Friday, March 19, 2010 - Sunday, March 21, 2010, so plan your North Georgia weekend getway now.

Last year's event was a great success and this years tour looks to be even better!

This is a perfect time to get back in the swing of spring activities and there is no better way to shake the winter doldrums than spending a weekend in the mountains and tasting the Award Winning wines that are made from Georgia Grown Grapes.

This event is 2 full days and includes nine wineries from Young Harris to Dahlonega making Blue Ridge a great central location to serve as a base for this event.

Just choose which winery you visit first, pay a one time fee and make a weekend out of it.

For more information about the event, visit the Winegrowers Association of Georgia website . Also, be sure to check each winery's website for details as the event gets closer, each of the wineries will have their own schedules of events.

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Luxury Florida Condo for Rent - Perdido Key, FL

2010-03-12T08:57:00.000-05:00

Looking for a place to get away and enjoy a little sunshine. Island Paradise might be it.

Located in the Purple Parrot Island Resort in Perdido Key Florida, our newly redecorated 1 bedroom villa is located in the popular Purple Parrot Resort and offers elegant, yet comfortable, tropical décor which will immediately set the mood for an exciting but relaxing vacation...

Checkout the gorgeous 5000 sq. ft Swimming Pool w/ Waterfall

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

SHORT SALE - PRE-FORECLOSURE Luxury log cabin Blue Ridge, GA

2010-03-02T13:52:00.001-05:00

JUST SLASHED THE PRICE on a great log home property in the heart of the Aska Adventure Area.

Now just $325,000. (This is almost $200K less than the owners have in the property! )

**SHORT SALE - PRE-FORECLOSURE**

467 Stanley Creek Road,
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
MLS# 193939

NOW is the time to take advantage of the market!! Beautiful 5 bedroom / 3.5 bath cabin offers a 4 CAR GARAGE w/ RV parking pad. MASTER ON MAIN LEVEL - Very private wooded setting - one o the few in our area that would be perfect for a fulltime home.

To see more about this home, or any of my listings, you can check them out here: View my Blue Ridge Real Estate Listings

Please call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if you'd like to make an appointment to view this property.

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Why NOW is a great time to buy Blue Ridge, GA Real Estate

2010-03-01T16:49:00.001-05:00

Blue Ridge, GA is a very popular vacation destination located in the North Georgia mountains.

This quaint mountain town offers a pretty, historic downtown area with loads of shops and local restaurants, numerous outdoor activities, a scenic railway and luxury log cabin rentals with great mountain views for a very reasonable price.

These draws along with its location, just 90 miles north of Atlanta, provide a constant flow of area visitors and cabin rental guests making the purchase of a turn-key vacation rental / investment property in the area a smart real estate investment choice.

One thing that is certain about the North Georgia mountains, because of it’s natural beauty, people are always going to have an interest in purchasing real estate in the region.

Though, like the rest of the country, our local real estate market has recently experienced an economic downturn, local experts know that the moment things turn around, the property prices in this area are certain to rebound.

But, what really makes Blue Ridge investment property such a good investment at this time is the fact that a buyer can currently find quality properties in this beautiful mountain region priced well below market value.

For buyers with an experienced agent by their side, an agent who is fully tapped into the local investment property / rental market, you can find successful Blue Ridge investment properties at amazing prices.

Whether you use choose to use the property as a vacation rental investment property or keep it for you own personal mountain get-away, when the market rebounds, you are placing yourself in a position to realize valuable gains.

Owning a piece of property in this little piece of “paradise” is a desire that many people have and I would like to help you take advantage of that wish at a time when low property values combined with low interest rates are allowing more people than ever to “live the dream”.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with questions about buying or selling your mountain home or property.

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Guest writer - J. Byron Wyndham, Real Estate Attorney, blogs on “Short Sales”

2010-02-25T08:40:00.004-05:00

Blue Ridge Georgia Real Estate is pleased to welcome guest blogger and local real estate attorney J. Byron Wyndham. Today, Byron shares with us his perspectives on understanding the secret side of short sales.

Short Sales...Continued

We are seeing more and more “short sales” in recent transactions. With many homes being “underwater” (the outstanding mortgage is more than the home value) in order to sell the house, the owners are asking lenders to accept less than the outstanding loan balance to release the house from the lien of the loan.

The “catch” ? Many owners don’t realize that just because the lender agrees to accept less than the loan balance to release the lien, that does NOT relieve the owner (the maker under the Note) from the obligation to repay the balance of the loan. The lender may file suit against the owner/seller for the balance of the loan that was not paid at the short sale.

The owners may also not understand that their credit can be adversely affected by the short sale. Usually, by the time the seller/owner has requested the short sale, they have missed several payments and have accrued late charges. This will appear on their credit report. But the seller may think that by doing a short sale, at least the stigma of a foreclosure has been avoided. However, in a short sale situation, the lender may “write off” the loan. This write off will appear on the credit report as a negative credit factor.

What options does a seller have? The seller can request that the lender agree to accept the short sale balance in full satisfaction of the loan and that it be marked “paid in full” on the credit report. This will avoid the actions noted above. However, the lender is NOT required to agree to these terms. It is an affirmative request to avoid the negative affects of the short sale. Though the Lender does not have to agree to this, many lenders are trying to avoid foreclosures and having more real estate on their books. In order to have a smaller loss than what would happen in the case of a foreclosure, the Lender might agree to this scenario.

The bottom line-it doesn’t hurt to ask. All they can do is say No! But if they say Yes, the seller can realize the full benefits of a short sale. JBW

For more information about short sales or other real estate related matters, please visit his website or email him at jbwyndham@tds.net

J. Byron Wyndham
2460 E. First St. Suite B-6
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706.258.6222

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Geocaching in Blue Ridge, GA = High-tech Treasure Hunting

2010-02-19T11:08:00.000-05:00

Many who visit the North Georgia mountains these days are doing so with one purpose in mind - geocaching.

As described by geocaching.com, geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, and then enter your experiences online.

There are currently over 300 geocaches around Blue Ridge, GA ranging in difficulty from easy to very challenging, so this is a game for the whole family. Just follow the link, sign up for your FREE account, download the data for geocaches you want to find and head for the hills!

Our family will be joining the fun this spring, so hopefully, we'll see you here!

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

SIGN UP for my NEWSLETTER - Blue Ridge GA Real Estate

2010-02-17T22:19:00.013-05:00

I would like to offer you an opportunity to sign up for my FREE seasonal newsletter called Blue Ridge, GA - What's New!

The newsletter is written to provide you with real estate related information as well as general information about our beautiful town and the surrounding North Georgia mountain communities.

As a subscriber, you will receive information about upcoming area events, new business openings and "special deals" - many offered exclusively to our clients. [See coupons for local businesses in each edition]

You may opt out of receiving the newsletter at any time by using the link at the bottom of the page.

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

BLUE RIDGE, GA Real Estate Foreclosures Seem to be Slowing Down

2010-02-17T10:00:00.001-05:00

People are constantly asking us for updates on the current real estate market and the overall economic climate in our area in general.

For the most part, this area has been suffering through the same economic downturn experienced by the rest of the country, but things may be changing for the better!

This article points to the first signs we've seen that the forelcosure crisis in our area may be on the mend.
This would be great news for the small local banks, the Realtors and the owners of "non-distressed" properties who have suffered as a result of the real estate market slide.

Below is a posting of a recent article from the News Observer (local Blue Ridge paper)

Real estate closings rise, foreclosures decline

BY DUB JOINER, STAFF WRITER

Monday, February 15, 2010 1:28 PM CST

Real estate closings are up and foreclosures are down slightly, according Multiple Listing Service statistics for Fannin County and from a check of legal foreclosure advertising over the past six months in The News Observer.

June Slusser, past president of the Northeast Georgia Board of Realtors, said the number of closings reported to the board through MLS listings has increased each month since last July compared to the same period last year.

“This is a wonderful trend and we are excited to see increases,” Slusser said.

She said the closing statistics includes both land and housing units, and most of the closings are in Fannin County.

Meanwhile, a check of the legal ads shows that the number of foreclosures has been dropping since November.

In August, there were 62 foreclosure ads. That number increased to 86 in September. The number dropped to 41 in October. In November, there were 66 foreclosure ads, 55 ads in December and 51 in January. The foreclosure ads include those for property and housing units.

I hope that this is not an anomoly, but a sign of better things to come! I'll keep you updated as the story progresses.

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Mountain Cabin For Sale in Blue Ridge, GA

2010-02-12T12:46:00.006-05:00

130 Icy Lane
Blue Ridge, GA 30513

MLS# 196234

This adorable 3 bedroom cabin is nestled in the trees near Fightingtown Creek (you can hear the creek through the trees) and offers a peaceful and private wooded setting.

The cabin has been very WELL MAINTAINED and NEVER RENTED so it is in great condition.

The layout and rare garage make it perfect for a full time residence or weekend getaway.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can provide you with more information about this property or if I can assist with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Real Estate Investment Made EASY - Buy a Successful Turn-key Vacation Rental

2010-02-12T09:02:00.003-05:00

This 3 bedroom / 3 bath cabin is already active in a successful rental management program, and it is being sold turn-key – all furnishings including hot tub and pool table stay with property.

What does that mean for you? A built-in rental following day one - no waiting for your property to be "found" by rental clients.

NOW is a GREAT TIME TO INVEST IN REAL ESTATE! Property prices are low and so are interest rates!

If you would like more information about this property, or just have questions abou the market in general,
please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Wine Highway Weekend - North Georgia

2010-02-08T10:41:00.000-05:00

Mark you calendar. It's that time again. The 5th annual "Wine Highway Weekend" is schedule for Friday, March 19, 2010 - Sunday, March 21, 2010, so plan your North Georgia weekend getway now.
Last years event was a great success and this years tour looks to be even better!

This is a perfect time to get back in the swing of spring activities and there is no better way to shake the winter doldrums than spending a weekend in the mountains and tasting the Award Winning wines that are made from Georgia Grown Grapes.

This event is 2 full days and includes nine wineries from Young Harris to Dahlonega making Blue Ridge a great central location to serve as a base for this event.

Just choose which winery you visit first, pay a one time fee and make a weekend out of it.

For more information about the event, visit the Winegrowers Association of Georgia website . Also, be sure to check each winery's website for details as the event gets closer, each of the wineries will have their own schedules of events.

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race - April 10, 2010

2010-02-03T11:02:00.001-05:00

Many of us in Blue Ridge, GA look forward each year to hosting the Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race.

The race consists of up to 100 co-ed teams of three (plus one support person) who hike, mountain bike, run and kayak in the Chattahoochee National Forest.

The teams run along the forested trails of the Chattahoochee National Forest, paddle on the Toccoa River and/or Lake Blue Ridge, mountain bike steep trails and complete mystery challenges along the way.

Each years race offers a new new course which begins at a secret location in the Chattahoochee National Forest, and follows a physically challenging path to the finish line located in the Downtown Blue Ridge City Park, with live music, food.

For more information about the race, please visit http://adventureracega.com/

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Warm and Inviting Luxury Cabin Nestled in a Beautiful Wooded Setting

2010-01-31T11:43:00.000-05:00

I love this new listing!
MLS# 195766 $339, 500

This well loved luxury log home is located in the popular “Shepherd’s Ridge” log home development just a few miles outside of Blue RIdge, GA making it convenient to hiking and fishing or tubing, on the Toccoa River.

This cabin has been VERY WELL MAINTAINED and NEVER RENTED so it offers HIGHEND FINISHES and many personal touches that the average rental cabin in this price range simply cannot.

With it’s large rooms and upscale finish work, it will make a perfect full-time residence, vacation rental or weekend getaway spot.

The upper level offers a private master suite with a sitting room and private screened porch.

The lower level offers a large second family room, a private bedroom, tons of storage and a full, tiled bath. The lower level family room opens onto a large patio ready for your hot tub.

The only problem is ..... You'll never want to leave!

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by

Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Cabin w/ DEEDED ACCESS to the TOCCOA RIVER for sale Blue Ridge, GA

2010-01-25T14:41:00.002-05:00

Check out this adorable 2/2 mountain cabin w/ DEEDED ACCESS to the TOCCOA RIVER for sale Blue Ridge, GA.

The owner has made several updates that make it a dream to show!

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

EXCELLENT investment - Generated $45K gross rental avg per year

2010-01-21T17:01:00.000-05:00

Check out this 5 bedroom cabin I have listed. Generated $90K in gross rental between 03/08 and 12/31/09.

EXCELLENT investment for those who want a vacation home in the mountains and help paying for it when you're not there!

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Blue Ridge GA Webcam

2010-01-08T06:52:00.002-05:00

For those who don't already know, I thought that I would share the fact that there is a live webcam that provides an up to the minute view of different areas of East Main Street near Depot St. in downtown Blue Ridge, GA.

You can view the Blue Ridge, GA webcam here: http://www.blueridgewebcam.com/

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Successful Vacation Rental Cabin For Sale in Blue Ridge Georgia

2010-01-04T11:10:00.000-05:00

JUST LOWERED THE PRICE on a successful vacation rental cabin with a proven rental history. Cabin is located in a gated community in the popular Aska Adventure Area. MLS# 188735

Beautiful 3 bedroom / 3.5 bath cabin offers a private wooded setting and a pretty mountain view.

Now just $279,900 w/ hot tub, pool table, foosball table and stainless steel appliances. (Can be purchased turn-key for $289,900)

Luxury log home for sale in Aska Adventure Area Blue Ridge, GA

2009-12-21T12:16:00.000-05:00

JUST LOWERED THE PRICE on a great log home property in the heart of the Aska Adventure Area.
MLS# 193939

Beautiful 5 bedroom / 3.5 bath cabin offers a 4 CAR GARAGE w/ RV parking pad. MASTER ON MAIN LEVEL - Very private wooded setting - one o the few in our area that would be perfect for a fulltime home.

Now just $399,900.

North Georgia Visitor Warning - Road Closed Due to Rockslide - TN Hwy 64

2009-12-18T15:58:00.002-05:00

I just received a call today from a real estate client trying to make their way to Blue Ridge from a friend's home in Chattanooga, but having no luck.

It seems that not everyone has gotten the memo...... so I'll pass it along. Hwy 64 (which runs in front of the Ocoee Whitewater Center) will be closed until Jan. 2010 due to a rockslide which occurred in mid-November.

TDOT's recommended detour route from Chattanooga and Cleveland toward the Copper Basin or McCaysville, GA., is north on I-75 to Exit 60 at Sweetwater, then south on State Route 68 to Ducktown.

So much for easy holiday travel.....

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Santa Train - Scenic Railway in Blue Ridge, GA

2009-12-14T09:04:00.002-05:00

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway has only 5 more "Santa Train" trips scheduled this year. (12/18 - 12/21)

If you are visiting the area with the grandchildren, don't miss out on this. (This trip is set up for young children, so there is no layover in McCaysville.)

On board, your family will hear Christmas stories, sing Christmas carols with elves, and visit with the North Pole’s jolliest elf himself during the ride.

This is so much fun with the little ones. Bring your cookies and hot chocolate and DON'T FORGET YOUR CAMERA!

Before the trip you can meet Mrs Clause on the deck at the depot for photo opportunities.

You can purchase tickets at www.brscenic.com/tickets or 877-413-TRAIN (8724)

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Commercial Building For Sale - Central Business District - Blue Ridge, GA

2009-12-11T16:58:00.000-05:00

Checkout the gorgeous lodge-style commercial building I have listed in the heart of the CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT in quaint downtown Blue Ridge, GA $724,900

More info about this commercial listing

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Swan Drive-in Movie in Blue Ridge, GA

2009-12-08T10:59:00.001-05:00

Did you know that Blue Ridge, GA still has an active drive-in movie?

We do and it’s great!

Built in 1955, the Swan Drive-in is one of only 5 left in the state of Georgia. It is open year-round and runs first-run movies so it popular with locals and visitors alike.

You can check what’s showing or see more info here: http://www.swan-drive-in.com/

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Where is There to Eat in Blue Ridge,GA?

2009-12-06T09:52:00.001-05:00

We hear this question frequently from my clients.

Because “the powers that be” in our area have only recently approved wine/beer by the glass, you will not find large chain restaurants (other than fast food types) in Blue Ridge.

What we do have, however, are great little Mom & Pop restaurants you will not find in your own backyard.

Here are a few recommendations (links provided where possible):

BLUE RIDGE BREWERY
187 Depot Street

Blue Ridge, GA, 30513
706-632-6611

Just opened on Depot Street and we think that it has really good food. For lunch I went safe and ordered a hamburger and I have to say that it was the BEST hamburger I've ever had with grilled onions and mild blue cheese. WOW!

SERENITY GARDEN CAFÉ
657 E. Main Street

Blue Ridge, GA, 30513
(706) 258-4949

For great homemade soup (as well as other things), go to Serenity Garden Café on East Main Street. It’s a tiny place so there may be a wait, but the food is great.

BLUE JEANS
11 Mountain Street, Ste B

Blue Ridge, GA, 30513
(706) 632-6503

Located where the Blue Ridge Community Theater used to be - Blue Jeans Pizza, Pasta & Calzones in Hampton Square has been a family favorite for years. They do not have a kids menu, but you can order a side of spaghetti or ravioli that seems to be just the right amount. If you have a salad, you must try the house dressing! It’s kept us coming back for years!

MERCIER ORCHARDS

8660 Blue Ridge Dr. (Hwy 5)
Blue Ridge, GA, 30513
(706) 632-3411;
Great spot for lunch at the in-store deli where everything is fresh and, of course, a fried pie!

EL AGAVE
500 E Main St (lower level behind Huck's)
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
(706) 946-7779

For Mexican food we go to El Agave on East Main Street (Behind Huck's General Store). It seems fresher than most run-of-the-mill Mexican joints. We really like the Chicken Carne Asada Burrito (marinated chicken).

CUCINA RUSTICA
76 Forge Mill Crossing

Morganton, GA, 30560
706-374-7474

For a quiet atmosphere and good food we recommend Cucina Rustica at Forge Mill. (It is not really family friendly so you won’t see many kids.) Try the polenta with gorgonzola & sun dried tomatoes appetizer – excellent!

VICTORIAN HOUSE

224 West Main Street
Blue Ridge, GA, 30513
(706) 258-2275

Nice atmosphere, but you don't have to dress up (this a vacation town after all...)
The environment is artfully and gracefully done in true 1900 CIRCA. China, table settings, and glassware with the general decor, all complimenting the Victorian accents.

If you have another suggestion or favorite spot we might not have tried, please feel free to add it on. My clients will thank you!

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

The Weatherman was Right - It Snowed!!!

2009-12-05T09:30:00.001-05:00

Well, we awoke this morning to a beautiful dusting of snow.

The roads are clear, but everything else is frosted with white. We are in downtown Blue Ridge so we don't usually get much, but I'm sure that the higher elevations are really a winter wonderland !

A few photos from my yard a couple of friend's facebook sites.

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Snow is coming....

2009-12-04T11:00:00.000-05:00

Looks like the North Georgia mountains could see a bit of snow tomorrow morning - probably just a dusting, but fun none the less!

Weather.com provides this handy little chart for those interested in the average temperatures in Fannin County, GA throughout the year.

Hope you get a little bit of "happy" this weekend wherever you are!

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Start Making Money as Soon as you Close with this Turn-Key Rental Cabin

2009-12-03T19:58:00.000-05:00

Great turn-key vacation cabin rental property for sale in the heart of the Aska Adventure Area.
MLS# 163688

3 bedroom / 3 bath cabin with excellent rental history – grossed an average of $28,950 over the past 3 years.
Cabin is sold turn-key – all furnishings including hot tub and pool table stay with property.

Cabin offers a pretty wooded setting and overlooks Lake Blue Ridge and the mountains beyond.

To see more about this home, or any of my listings, you can check them out here: View all of my real estate listings here.

Please call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if you'd like to make an appointment to view this property.

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

Blue Ridge Real Estate Market is Moving On.....

2009-11-30T10:03:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

We visited my family in Texas so it was a great holiday for us. (Having owned our own business for the last 7 years this was the first holiday we've been able to spend with family in that time. )

Back to business: I am happy to say that the Blue Ridge real estate market is continuing to chug along - not at the breakneck speed we're used to, but still moving!

With 2 closings completed in November and a contract on one of my listings that should close in December I am certainly feeling good.

Despite the activity in the market, many home sellers are getting frustrated. The problem is that the market is glutted with foreclosures, short sales and "distress sales". In most cases these properties are selling significantly below actual value which, in turn, lowers the market value of "non-distressed" homes.

When you add to that the fact that all loans for secondary or investment properties require a 20% downpayment while foreclosures only require a 10% downpayment, it is easy to see why they sell first in our area.

While it is a bad time to be a seller, it is a GREAT time to be a buyer! If you have good credit and money for a down payment, now is the time to find your retirement home or enhance your real estate investment portfolio.

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

New Real Estate Listing - Aska Road Lodge-style Cabin

2009-11-25T10:50:00.001-05:00

Just listed a great new property in the heart of the Aska Adventure Area. MLS# 193939

Beautiful 5 bedroom / 3.5 bath cabin offers a 4 CAR GARAGE w/ RV parking pad. MASTER ON MAIN LEVEL - Very private wooded setting - perfect for a fulltime home.

To see more about this home, or any of my listings, you can check them out here: View my Blue Ridge Real Estate Listings

Please call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if you'd like to make an appointment to view this property.

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

479 Rhonda Lane What a Great Cabin Listing $274,900 Furnished

2009-11-24T09:11:00.002-05:00

I have a great cabin listing for sale in the Mineral Bluff area (just outside of Blue Ridge) that I want to share. MLS#193079

It is a 3/3 log cabin that has never been used as a rental so it is in great condition and offers a really pretty mountain view. You can see more photos here: http://thebartonadvantage.com/Alistings/479/479index.html

Please call or drop me an email if you would like to schedule an appointment to see it!
706-455-0180 gaylebarton@tds.net

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

We no longer own First Class Cabin Rentals

2009-11-21T11:08:00.000-05:00

As we are still getting questions about the recent changes in our lives I am writing an open letter to all of the friends and customers who have so graciously supported us, and our business, over the last 7 years.

We thought that by now everyone would have heard (or we would have had the opportunity to speak with you personally) about the fact that we have sold our vacation cabin rental business here in Blue Ridge.

After 7 years, and with Dan's mom being in ill health, we made the decision as a family that we needed to set the goal of moving closer to family (TX & KS) as soon as possible. So, we sold our business in July.

Because we also have a commercial building to sell (East First Street - where our home and office were co-located) we knew that it would not be an immediate move so Dan took a job in Atlanta in the interim and I went back to selling real estate fulltime.

Unfortunately Dan's mom passed away in October so, while our goal remains to move toward getting closer to family, the originally urgency we felt is no longer there so we will likely be in Blue Ridge for the foreseeable future.

We would like to thank our customers for their business and hope that your loyalty to First Class Cabin Rentals will continue, our homeowners and staff members who have worked as our partners for the last 7 years and other local business owners who have supported us and our company through guest and homeowner referrals!

Warmest regards,

Dan, Gayle & Nicholas Barton

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

11% growth forecasted for 2010 home sales

2009-11-19T06:12:00.000-05:00

Two economists at Fannie Mae (the country’s largest mortgage guarantor) are saying that they believe that the deepest and longest recession since the Great Depression appears to be over and are projecting that sales of new and existing homes will jump 11 percent next year allowing national home prices to stabilize - essentially staying flat – a win for both buyers and sellers who need to move their properties.

In Fannie Mae’s current monthly housing forecast the economists project 5.96 million home sales in 2010, with sales of existing homes growing by 10 percent and new-home sales rebounding even more sharply with an expected growth rate of 24 percent.

In a report, just out, which summarized their economic and mortgage forecasts, Fannie Mae economists Doug Duncan and Orawin Velz stated that "It appears that the economic recovery is here,"

With the real gross domestic product (GDP) growing at a 3.5 percent annualized rate in the third quarter, following five declines in the prior six quarters, they say that they foresee moderate growth in the final two months of 2009 with continued strengthening into late 2010.

Duncan and Velz credit the first-time homebuyer tax credit with helping to boost third-quarter home sales - a 23.3 percent increase in the annualized rate of residential investment (home sales) - the largest in more than two decades. The report goes on to state that although the growth originated from "extremely depressed" levels, real residential investment is once again contributing to economic growth, adding 0.5 percentage points to third-quarter GDP growth.

Their housing forecast goes on to project that new housing starts will surge by 35 percent next year, from an historic low of 462,000 starts in 2009 to 624,000 in the coming year.

Fannie Mae experests say that they expect national home prices to stabilize next year, with the median resale home price remaining essentially unchanged and the median price of a new home is expected to fall by only 2 percent from this year to next.

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or investment cabin property.

US Senate and House Passed Home Buyer Tax Credit Extension and Expansion

2009-11-06T16:29:00.000-05:00

BREAKING NEWS FOR HOME BUYERS

By votes of 98-0 and 403-12 respectively, the US Senate and House each passed the Unemployment Insurance Bill, which contains the homebuyer tax credit extension and expansion. After receiving broad bi-partisan support the bill is now headed to the President for his signature.

The bill was expanded to include buyers in the "trade-in" or "move-up" market and establishes a new $6,500 tax credit for "move-up" buyers so long as the home they are leaving has been their principal residence for five years or more.

Both the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit and the $6,500 tax credit for "move-up" or "trade-in" buyers would expire on April 30, 2010. However, Buyers who have contracts in place as of April 30, 2010, would still qualify for the credit as long as they close the transaction within by June 30, 2009.

The bill establishes income limits of $125,000 for an individual or $225,000 for a couple for both credits. The cost of the home being purchased may not exceed $800,000 in order to be eligible for the credit.

Click here for a breakdown of the final provisions.

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

New Changes for HUD and GFE - New Real Estate Settlement Procedures

2009-11-05T16:49:00.000-05:00

My personal Real Estate attorney, Byron Wyndham, has just provided an update to the real estate agents in our area regarding changes being made to the current HUD and GFE requirements which will become effective on January 1, 2010.

These changes will affect anyone with plans to buy or sell a primary residence or investment property, so I'm sharing it with you today.

New Changes for HUD and GFE

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has issued a Final Rule for the Real Estate Settlement and Procedures Act (RESPA). The Final Rule contains the most drastic and comprehensive changes made to the HUD and the Good Faith Estimate (GFE) in the last 30 years. The new forms (HUD Settlement Statement and Good Faith Estimate) attempt to clarify and simplify the overall mortgage and closing process while reducing the fees for the consumer. Whether that goal is accomplished is yet to be determined.

THE FINAL RULE

The new HUD and new GFE become effective on January 1, 2010. In some cases the new GFE will appear prior to January 1 when applications are taken in November or December (2009) but the anticipated closing date is after January 1, 2010.

The new GFE has sections that directly correspond to sections on the HUD Settlement Statement. The new GFE mandates when and how it is to be issued and distributed to potential borrowers. The following is an overview of the more interesting changes under the Final Rule:
There is to be no more Application Fee. The only fee that can be required by the Lender at the time of application is one that equals the cost of a credit report. At Closing, most Lender fees MUST be exactly as disclosed on the GFE.

Real estate commissions are to be handled and disclosed differently than in the past. The Earnest Money will be directly deducted from the Seller’s proceeds. The Commission shown on the HUD will reflect the deduction of the Earnest Money. The Commission sales percentage will no longer appear on the final HUD.
Probably the biggest change on the HUD in terms of disclosure pertains to fees for the Title Charges in line 1100 series. With the new GFE only one fee will be entered that includes attorney fees, title examination, title binder, Lender Title Insurance, delivery, notary fees, express or overnight fees, mail-out fees and/or document preparation fees (etc). The fees for each service can be itemized on the HUD but the fees MUST correspond to the fees quoted on the GFE. The Owners’ Title Insurance fee will be quoted separately in the GFE and on the HUD on line 1103. These fees can change from the original GFE but must stay within a ten (10%) aggregate tolerance level. This is calculated and disclosed on the third page of the HUD. That is another change: all HUD's will be at least three pages but could be longer.

ALL Settlement costs must appear on the HUD as being paid by the Borrower. If the Seller has agreed to pay some or all of the settlement costs, that amount will appear as a credit/debit on the front page of the HUD. The HUD cannot reflect the Seller being charged with any settlement costs.

For information about real estate law in North Georgia, please check out Byron Wyndham's web site: RELawyer.com or contact his office at 706-258-6222.

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

WHERE CAN I EAT IN BLUE RIDGE, GA?

2009-11-03T08:23:00.000-05:00

We hear this question frequently from our clients.

Because “the powers that be” in our area have only recently approved wine/beer by the glass, you will not find large chain restaurants (other than fast food types) in Blue Ridge.

What we do have, however, are great little Mom & Pop restaurants you will not find in your own backyard.

Here are a few recommendations:

BLUE RIDGE BREWERY
Just opened on Depot Street and we think that it has really good food. For lunch I went safe and ordered a hamburger and I have to say that it was the BEST hamburger I've ever had with grilled onions and mild blue cheese. WOW!

SERENITY GARDEN CAFÉ
For great homemade soup (as well as other things), go to Serenity Garden Café on East Main Street. It’s a tiny place so there may be a wait, but the food is great.

BLUE JEANS
Blue Jeans Pizza, Pasta & Calzones in Hampton Square has been a family favorite for years. They do not have a kids menu, but you can order a side of spaghetti or ravioli that seems to be just the right amount. If you have a salad, you must try the house dressing! It’s kept us coming back for years!

EL AGAVE
For Mexican food we go to El Agave on East Main Street (Behind Huck's General Store). It seems fresher than most run-of-the-mill Mexican joints. We really like the Chicken Carne Asada Burrito (marinated chicken).

CUCINA RUSTICA
For a quiet atmosphere and good food we recommend Cucina Rustica at Forge Mill. (It is not really family friendly so you won’t see many kids.) Try the polenta with gorgonzola & sun dried tomatoes appetizer – excellent!

If you have another suggestion or favorite spot we might not have tried, please feel free to add it on. Our clients will thank you!

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

GREAT TIME TO BUY BLUE RIDGE, GA REAL ESTATE

2009-10-30T22:26:00.000-04:00

We continue to be asked “is this the bottom?”. While no one can answer that for sure, we really do believe that it is.

Many of those we’ve spoken to have little interest in continuing to fund a failing stock portfolio and feel that the future of real estate is much more positive in regard to investment. We agree!

With the new commercial development projects that appear to be moving forward in our area, we are very optimistic about the future of the Blue Ridge real estate market through the remainder of 2009 – 2010 and beyond.

While foreclosures, short sales and bank owned homes remain the most requested properties, open minded buyers will find MANY great values in the Blue Ridge real estate market as weary property owners, most of whom are not delinquent, are often choosing to reduce the price of their home in an effort to remain competitive in a weak market and generate renewed interest in their homes.

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection
located in the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can assist you with buying or selling your mountain home or property.

BLUE RIDGE, GA - Real Estate & the Local Economy

2009-10-19T19:04:00.002-04:00

People ask us constantly for updates on the current economic climate in our area.

Blue Ridge is a beautiful, quaint and unique town with much to offer. In Fannin County we are surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountain views, lakes and rivers North Georgia has to offer.

Because of this, tourism has become our main economic resource. As with most of the national economy we are certainly feeling the pinch, but visitors still seem to be flocking to our area and investors are still moving forward with BIG development plans. All in all, we have a very positive outlook for the economic future of our area.

Below is a posting of a recent article from the News Observer (local Blue Ridge paper)

Signs point to recovery

BY DUB JOINER, STAFF WRITER

Thursday, June 4, 2009 3:32 PM CDT
For the past year or more the economy in Blue Ridge and Fannin County has suffered like the rest of the state and the nation. Now, there are signs that give local residents reasons to see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel, even if the light seems dim.

People must be finding work because, according to the latest state unemployment report, the number of initial unemployment claims has decreased for two consecutive months in Fannin County.

For more than a year, the the unemployment rate had risen each month until it peaked at 10.3 percent in February. The March and April reports have shown consecutive slight decreases.

There are also good signs in the housing market that better days are within sight.

June Slusser, president of Colwell Banker High Country Realty in Blue Ridge, points out a number of things that indicate a turn in the economy, even if the turn is slow at present.

“The $8,000 federal tax and the $1,800 state tax credit for first home buyers is a big plus,” Slusser said. “Interest rates are also low at around 5 percent.”

She said home and property owners who have houses and land for sale have also realized that to make a sale they need to reduce their prices, which has helped make the current situation a buyer’s market.

The tax credits and lower prices have meant more people are out looking at what’s available, Slusser said.

“When people feel good, they spend money,” Slusser said.

There are other signs that give a hint that brighter days are on the horizon.

Local stocks such as United Community Bank have risen significantly in the past two months. UCB’s stock has climbed from $3 per share in April to $8.17 on June 3.

Appalachian Community Bank stock has also risen from a low of $1.14 in early May to $1.30 per share on June 3.

The entertainment and retail park project that was announced in mid May for a 42-acre site bordering Hwy. 515 and the Toccoa River will offer a number of local jobs and bring much-needed revenue into the local economy once construction begins.

The recently approved beer and wine ordinances in the city of Blue Ridge, and in Fannin County, will improve sales and provide additional sales tax revenue for local governments, local restaurant owners believe.

The construction of the new Fannin County Recreation Center in Fannin Park is also providing a number of local jobs.

Fannin County Chamber of Commerce President Jan Hackett said that , even though the chamber and Welcome Center recently moved, the number of visitors has been steady over the past two months.

“Sales tax revenue the chamber receives from hotel/motel taxes is also up slightly over the past quarter,” Hackett said. “So far, so good.”

Work is also continuing on the new Blue Ridge Golf and River Club off Ada Street and along the Toccoa River that will add to the local economy when the golf course opens this fall.

Blue Ridge Golf and River Club Director of Golf Clark Spratlin said progress is moving at a rapid pace and that the goal is to have as many as nine holes ready in the fall.

“Irrigation work is under way and sod work will begin in early July,” Spratlin said. “Things are moving along well even with some weather setbacks.

This North Georgia Real Estate blog is hosted by
Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection
located in the quaint town of Blue Ridge, GA.

Blue Ridge GA Real Estate

North Georgia Home Value in 2012 - Blue Ridge GA Real Estate Outlook

Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race - April 9, 2011

North Georgia Winery Tour Weekend

Technology for Real Estate

This appraiser keeps killing my deals!

Sometimes it seems that the mortgage business has gone insane!

Need a Lower Payment? Recasting Your Mortgage May be the Answer

Last Gallery Walk of the Year - Blue Ridge, GA

Luxury Log Home For Sale In Aska Adventure Area Blue Ridge, GA

WHY THE HOLIDAYS ARE A GREAT TIME TO SELL YOUR CABIN

Making Your Home OPEN HOUSE Ready

Blue Ridge GA Home Builders Showcase 2010

Apple Picking at Mercier Orchards Blue Ridge, GA

SIGN UP for my NEWSLETTER - Blue Ridge GA Real Estate

New Real Estate Listing - Ellijay, GA Mountain View Cabin

Real Estate - Try it Before you Buy It

What Makes a Vacation Cabin a Successful Rental Investment?

Real Estate North Georgia mountain vacation rental cabin in Blue Ridge.

Don't Miss "The Art Walk" in Blue Ridge, GA

Upside for Sellers in a Bad Real Estate Market??

$$ PRICE DROP $$ on Adorable Mountain Cabin in Blue Ridge, GA

Warm and Inviting Luxury Cabin Nestled in a Beautiful Wooded Setting

Summer Fun in Blue Ridge, GA

Swan Drive-in Movie Theater in Blue Ridge, GA

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Senate Extends Tax Credit Closing Deadline

Commercial Building For Sale - Central Business District - Blue Ridge, GA

Geocaching in Blue Ridge, GA = High-tech Treasure Hunting

SIGN UP for my NEWSLETTER - Blue Ridge GA Real Estate

Real Estate Investment Made EASY - Buy a Succesful Turn-key Vacation Rental

Cabin w/ DEEDED ACCESS to the TOCCOA RIVER for sale Blue Ridge, GA.

GREAT turn-key investment - North Georgia mountain vaction rental cabin in Blue Ridge.

DON'T MISS THIS great real estate investment rental cabin in Blue Ridge

Guest writer - J. Byron Wyndham, Real Estate Attorney, blogs on the new HUD Statement

Gayle Barton has earned the Nationally recognized (SFR) Short Sales and Foreclosure Certification

So, You Want to Buy a Short Sale….

Celebrating Easter in Blue Ridge, GA - North Georgia Mountains

Guest writer - J. Byron Wyndham, Real Estate Attorney, blogs on the future of our economy.

**DON'T FORGET ** The 5th Annual Wine Highway Weekend

Luxury Florida Condo for Rent - Perdido Key, FL

**SHORT SALE - PRE-FORECLOSURE** Luxury log cabin Blue Ridge, GA

Why NOW is a great time to buy Blue Ridge, GA Real Estate

Guest writer - J. Byron Wyndham, Real Estate Attorney, blogs on “Short Sales”

Geocaching in Blue Ridge, GA = High-tech Treasure Hunting

SIGN UP for my NEWSLETTER - Blue Ridge GA Real Estate

BLUE RIDGE, GA Real Estate Foreclosures Seem to be Slowing Down

Mountain Cabin For Sale in Blue Ridge, GA

Real Estate Investment Made EASY - Buy a Successful Turn-key Vacation Rental

Wine Highway Weekend - North Georgia

Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race - April 10, 2010

Warm and Inviting Luxury Cabin Nestled in a Beautiful Wooded Setting

Cabin w/ DEEDED ACCESS to the TOCCOA RIVER for sale Blue Ridge, GA

EXCELLENT investment - Generated $45K gross rental avg per year

Blue Ridge GA Webcam

Successful Vacation Rental Cabin For Sale in Blue Ridge Georgia

Luxury log home for sale in Aska Adventure Area Blue Ridge, GA

North Georgia Visitor Warning - Road Closed Due to Rockslide - TN Hwy 64

Santa Train - Scenic Railway in Blue Ridge, GA

Commercial Building For Sale - Central Business District - Blue Ridge, GA

Swan Drive-in Movie in Blue Ridge, GA

Where is There to Eat in Blue Ridge,GA?

The Weatherman was Right - It Snowed!!!

Snow is coming....

Start Making Money as Soon as you Close with this Turn-Key Rental Cabin

Blue Ridge Real Estate Market is Moving On.....

New Real Estate Listing - Aska Road Lodge-style Cabin

479 Rhonda Lane What a Great Cabin Listing $274,900 Furnished

We no longer own First Class Cabin Rentals

11% growth forecasted for 2010 home sales

US Senate and House Passed Home Buyer Tax Credit Extension and Expansion

New Changes for HUD and GFE - New Real Estate Settlement Procedures

WHERE CAN I EAT IN BLUE RIDGE, GA?

GREAT TIME TO BUY BLUE RIDGE, GA REAL ESTATE

BLUE RIDGE, GA - Real Estate & the Local Economy

DON'T FORGET The 5th Annual Wine Highway Weekend

SHORT SALE - PRE-FORECLOSURE Luxury log cabin Blue Ridge, GA