If you haven't heard of Chef Hans Rueffert, you are really missing out, not only on great cooking ideas and techniques but a truly moving story of his battle with cancer. Hans grew up in Jasper Georgia over their family restaurant, the Woodbridge Inn. (Great place to eat by the way, put it on your list). Hans host his own cooking show and was selected out of 10,000 applicants to be one of the 8 finalist (the only Southerner in the finals) to compete on Food Channel's "The Next Food Network Star." Hans finished third in the competition. Check out his cookbooks and his blog.
For great gourmet goodies, visit Proprietress Sara Auman at her upscale boutique "Out of the Blue" located in downtown Blue Ridge. Sara will introduce visitors to varied selection of the finest wines and foods from all over the world. Shop for fine French table linens, hand-painted Italian ceramics and furniture. This is the kind of gallery one will find in New York, Atlanta or Miami. Not what one would expect in our quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge at the foothills of the ancient Applalachians. Pleasantly unexpected!
If you would like a copy of the recipes Hans and Sara prepared, email me donna@ellijay.com
Donna Yates, Georgia Realtor Specializing in North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountain Real Estate Coldwell Banker High Country Realty 706-632-7311 x252 office 706-633-0644 cell (direct) Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513
Live as though you are on vacation every single day! Wouldn't that be nice? Well you can!
Come see this very nice planned lakeside community, gated, paved roads, large lots for privacy, few homes overall help preserve the integrity of the community, residents enjoy great gatherings with friends and family for picnics, fishing, and boating at the community lake, covered pavillion for great cookouts, grounds very neat and well maintained, tranquil, natural setting, paved roads, stocked lake, all lots have lake access and very easy, short walk to lake.
Under 5 miles to shopping, restaurants, Gilmer County Schools. Coosawattee River within walking distance. Very affordable lot for this type of community. Ready to build. "Go Green" in this pristine natural setting.
This beautiful, turnkey log cabin is exactly what people come to the North Georgia Mountains for! Mingle with the clouds during the day, dance with the stars at night rivaled only with stunning sunsets for an experience you won't forget or want to leave!
This unique cabin is only one hour from Atlanta and Chattanooga, truly nestled in the foothills of the ancient Appalachian Mountains. Come see why the mountains are called Blue Ridge!
Absolutely impressive year round mountain and sunset views - don't even get me started about the dazzling starlit nights. Excellent wildlife viewing, watch nature change its moods from rolling thunder clouds to brilliant rainbows.
Unparalleled lifestyle in the charming and friendly town of Blue Ridge. Distinctive quality inside and out, professionally landscaped, very unique floor plan lends itself to privacy for guests, well laid out for great entertaining, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, luxurious master spa/bath, dramatic floor to ceiling fireplace with soaring two story cathedral ceilings, open great room, dining and kitchen area with stainless steel appliances, well appointed, huge completely finished basement that will not feel like a basement at all, views from everywhere, lots of windows and light, oversized parking, paved road and driveway, gutters, multiple porches, fully furnished, hot tub, game room, large open loft, wood floors, warm and inviting wood interior throughout. Great recreational amenities in area: downtown Blue Ridge, Lake Blue Ridge, boating, fishing, rafting, racetrack, horseback riding, hiking plus Riverstone Medical Center within minutes.
Cabin may be rented as a vacation get-away or for potential buyers who would like to try it out. Just call Donna at 706-633-0644 or Robin at 706-455-5099
BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAINTOWN CREEK AREA within 34,000 acre Cohutta Wilderness, very close to Lake Conasauga, Georgia's highest lake, Bear Park, for best tent camping one hour from Atlanta and under 10 miles to downtown Ellijay
57.07 Acres, gentle, level terrain, creek, tall hardwoods, great pines, gorgeous apple trees, nice road cut into property, fronts approx. 100 feet of Ga. Hwy 52/Chatsworth Hwy. and 50 feet of Pleasant Hill Road, starts at the corner, fantastic building sites, wooded, private, endless possibilities! Nearby boating, hiking, swimming, fishing and wildlife viewing.
NORTH GEORGIA EVENTS, FESTIVALS AND HAPPENINGS FOR SPRING 2009
Fannin County, Georgia
April 11, 2009 through April 18, 2009 Blue Ridge Spring Fest Blue Ridge Farmers Market
Arts and crafts sale, Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 5 p.m., sponsored by Fannin County Explorer Post 401. 706-946-6003
April 11, 2009 through April 12, 2009 Blue Ridge Spring Fest Old Farmers Market on East 1st Street
4rth Annual Arts and Crafts Sale from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 706-946-6003
April 18, 2009 through April 19, 2009 Blue Ridge Spring Fest Old Farmers Market on East 1st Street
4rth Annual Arts and Crafts Sale from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 706-946-6003
May 8, 2009 through May 31, 2009 Comedy / "Harvey" Blue Ridge Mountains
An Eccentric Comedy by Mary Chase. Elwood P. Dowd is perhaps one of the most-loved characters of stage in the 20th century. Elwood is polite and cheerful and always friendly toward any strangers he m ight encounter. He has just one problematic character trait: his best friend is an invisible six-foot-tall rabbit! The fun begins as his sister and niece try to have him committed. A fun filled evening of entertainment. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 P.M. and Sunday's at 2:00 P.M. Admission is only $15.00, senior, child and group discounts are available. 706-632-9223
May 9, 2009 Georgia Mountain Classic Car Show Downtown Blue Ridge
More than 200 Classic cars. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. judging at 1:00 p.m. and awards ceremony 4:30 p.m. Door prizes and trophies for the top 25 trucks and trophies for the top 50 cars. Enjoy a nice stroll around downtown Historic Blue Ridge! 706-632-3656
May 16, 2009 Smokie Mountains Melodies Chorus Fannin County Performing Arts Center
This is a chapter of the Sweet Adelines International with approximately 40 members singing four part harmony; They are presenting Front Row Center 2009, concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. 706-632-7445
May 23, 2009 through May 24, 2009 33rd Annual Arts in the Park Festival Downtown Historic Blue Ridge
33rd Annual Festival, Features over 200 arts, crafts and food booths. The best in mountain crafts and fine arts, artist's demonstrations, music and dance. Arts in the Park has been recognized as one of the Top 20 Events by the Southeastern Tourism Society. Sponsored by the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association. 706-632-2144
40 Deloris Drive, Fannin County Bank Foreclosure, Built 2007, Extraordinary Prow front new log home, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, year round mountain view, enormous decks on all levels, spacious outdoor entertainment area w/stack stone wood burning fireplace, jetted tub in master, upgraded lighting throughout, basement stubbed for additional bath, beautiful natural setting on 1.509 acres 1.509 acres, $299,000
Unparalleled Lifestyle in the North Georgia Mountains! 636 Bell Road, Fannin County Bank Foreclosure, Built 1986 Updated, Charming Log Sided Home, beautiful private setting with plenty of deck and hot tub ready. Home affords maximum privacy fronting beautiful Hot House Creek. Space for your own gazebo or garden. Basement is partially finished, large great room w/wood burning fireplace. Spacious master features jetted tub and separate tiled shower, Concrete drive, plenty of level ground, detached garage/workshop w/custom stone work connecting the home. Ideal country setting! 10.238 acres $383,000
Make a great investment in the Mountains!
Old State Road 2, Fannin County Bank Foreclosure, ACREAGE!!! 28.12 acres wtih Mountain View Beautiful wooded property climbing to ridge line, small, quaint community in highly desirable area. Picturesque setting with large pond featuring gazebo and small dock. Two close but separated parces, one = 19.57 acres and the other parcek is 8.55 acres. Please ask for plat. Selling by parcel may be an option. Electric available, branch frontage, private easement 28.12 acres, $475,000
Beautiful Appointments, Great Price Point!
L29 Forest Trail, Fannin County Bank Foreclosure in Prestigious Ridges Over The Lake (Blue Ridge), access through National Forest wtih stunning views of Lake Blue Ridge. Long range mountain views from every deck. Great room w/stone wood burning fireplace. Entertain in oversized terrace level great room, granite, upgraded glass top drop in oven, private breakfast deck, security system, built in vac, snuggle master on main wtih gas log fireplace, Exceptional Value! 1.89 acres, $349,000
Endless Retail Possibilities!
3153 Blue Ridge Highway, Fannin County - Commercial Bank Foreclosure, Built 1981, Large parking area, 4500 sf building, formerly operated as a BP Gas Outlet and convenience store. Many features still in place including kitchen equipment, shelving and walk in refrigerator w/glass doors for display. Busy Hwy 5 location. Convenient to Blue Ridge and McCaysville/Copperhill Tennessee. .41 acre $349,000
Vacant Lots
Bank Foreclosure - Beautiful lot tucked away nicely in a seasoned gated community wtih full amenities. Modern weight facilities, indoor swimming pool, tennis court, walking trails, duck pond, game room. Coosawattee River access, access property by all paved roads. This beautiful lot is located just 1/4 mile from the main recreation center that includes the indoor swimming pool, weight facility, game room tennis and basketball courts, plus putt putt facility. .63 acre Eagle Mountain Resort, Gilmer County $9,000
Bank Foreclosure - Level lot in highly sought after Coosawattee River Resort, gated community with full amenities. Modern weight facilities, indoor swimming pool, outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, walking trails, duck pond, game room, Coosawattee River access, mostly paved roads. .82 acre Pacer Ct., Gilmer County $19,900
Brought to you by Donna Yates, Coldwell Banker High Country Realty 706-633-0644 cell 706-632-7311 x252 office email: donna@ellijay.com
How long has your home been on the market? Three months, six months, it's not surprising if it's been on the market even longer but it is time to take a very serious and hard look at what it is going to take to get your property sold. Perhaps, you've reduced the price a couple of times and you're asking yourself, "how much lower?" It is a buyer's market afterall, and therefore, they do have an advantage but that should not mean you have to accept an unreasonable and unrealistic offer. Be prepared for a buyer who might very well present a very low offer, even as much as 10% or more below the listing price.
First and very importantly, Do Not Be Offended, Do Not Take It Personally. Instead, view the offer as an opportunity to begin discussion and start negotiations. Do not slam the door - Negotiate!
Remember offers are a negotiation game and recognize that the buyer is serious by even making an offer. (That's important to keep in mind, the buyer is serious or there would be no offer.) Assess your own goals and determine how much you really need from the sale in order to meet your needs.
Have your Realtor keep a check on market conditions and try to determine if something has happened in the market to cause a buyer to make such a low offer. It is just as important for you, the seller, to keep a check on inventory in your own neighborhood. How are similar homes priced? How does your home compare to the other homes in your neighborhood. Are you too high?
Negotiate!!! Keep it going as long as possible. Trust your Realtor and clearly communicate your limitations. If you are facing financial distress, be open with your Realtor who is working on your behalf to provide professional guidance and get the best possible price. Let your Realtor know if you may need to do a short sale, talk about your payoff if you think you may be headed for foreclosure. You and your Realtor could very well work out a listing price that will get your property sold to ward off any serious financial trouble. Work together and ensure the selling agent that you do want to work with them. Stay engaged in the process as long as possible. Make your final offer but keep in mind that you do not want to lose a buyer over a couple of thousand dollars. Also, the selling agent should remind the buyer of the same thing. The difference in a mortgage payment is very small if the deal comes down to a few thousand dollars difference.
And probably the most difficult thing to do is to be patient with the process. In a market where inventory is higher than normal and foreclosures have increased the levels even more, selling takes time. Work together to reach a fair and reasonable deal. This is good advice for buyers too - work with sellers to reach a fair and reasonable deal. Understand that not everyone is desperate to sell and what is happening in one market is not at all, what might be happening in another market. Let the actual sales data tell the story and then make your decision based on tangible market information, this goes for both buyers and sellers.
Sellers should also consider other options rather than always reducing the price. If your property is priced right, consider offering a Home Warranty for the buyer or paying a certain amount toward closing costs.
Donna Yates Georgia Realtor North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains Coldwell Banker High Country Realty 706-633-0644 cell 800-307-0777 x252 office email: donna@ellijay.com
Realtors at Coldwell Banker High Country Realty consistently demonstrate strong negotiation skills. The average list to sales ratio is consistently higher among Coldwell Banker High Country Realtors when compared with other similar companies. This is a strong indicator of great negotiating skills.
I have seen a few posts on Active Rain about the recent article published on Yahoo entitled, "15 Companies that might not survive in 2009", not to mention a few caring agents from other companies also emailed the article to me.
In this article, the privately owned Realogy Corp. was named which is the biggest real-estate brokerage firm in the United States. Below is the paragraph taken from the yahoo post regarding Realogy Corp in particular.
"Realogy Corp. (Privately owned; about 13,000 employees). It's the biggest real-estate brokerage firm in the country, but that's a bad thing when there are double-digit declines in both sales and prices, as there were in 2009. Realogy, which includes the Coldwell Banker, ERA, and Sotheby's franchises, also carries a high debt load, dating to its purchase by the Apollo Group in 2007 - the very moment when the housing market was starting to invert from a soaring ride into a sickening nosedive. Realogy has been trying to refinance much of its debt, prompting lawsuits. One deal was denied by a judge in December, reducing the firm's already tight wiggle room." Source: Yahoo.com Written by Rick Newman February 6, 2009
What I haven't seen and perhaps it is posted somewhere on Active Rain and I just haven't found it yet is the other side of the story, afterall it's only fair to hear both sides.
As for my company, Coldwell Banker High Country Realty located in downtown Blue Ridge, we are doing quite well and I have the actual sales data from our lcoal MLS to prove it. For example, the average sold price in January 2009 was $160,771 but Coldwell Banker High Country Realty's average sold was $194,522. The list to sales ratio in January was 82.60% and Coldwell Banker High Country Realty's list to sales ratio was 87.8%.
No doubt, 2009 is going to be another challenging year for many independents, corporates and Real Estate Professionals. Whose not feeling the affects of our economy these days? There is one thing of which I am certain, it is going to get better for all of us.
Quoted below is the Realogy's President and Ceo's response in it's entirety (with permission to reprint):
February 9, 2009
Dear Coldwell Banker® Broker/Owners and Sales Associates:
Earlier today we saw a business writer's blog post get picked up as a "news" report pertaining to the financial condition of a number of companies, including our parent company, Realogy. This coverage generally focused on the long-term debt and viability of these companies.
Although Realogy is currently in a quiet period and we cannot release certain financial information in advance of our fourth quarter 2008 earnings call in March, we certainly could have addressed the fundamentals had this reporter taken the time to attempt to carry out his due diligence by contacting Realogy for the facts.
I want to point out a number of "silver linings" for Realogy that clearly have not been taken into consideration by either the media or the financial ratings agencies:
During the past several years Realogy has moved aggressively to mitigate the impact of the economy on our company. We have successfully reduced our overhead by more than $350 million and continue to focus on maximizing the effectiveness of our cost structure.
As we have focused on costs we have been equally focused on growth. In spite of the woes of the housing market we have made great progress in advancing our company. From franchise sales to the retention of the top-tier sales associates to signing new clients at Cartus and Title Resource Group, we continue to be forward thinking, highly focused on the future of our company and the industry.
In 2009, we expect to benefit from considerably lower interest rates since a significant portion of our bank debt is tied to LIBOR;
None of our corporate debt is due until at least 2013; and
Unlike many companies in today's economy, we have the support and commitment of one of the best financed private equity firms in the country, Apollo Management.
Please also remember that private equity funds managed by Apollo Management and co-investors originally invested $2 billion in our company. Apollo has a substantial ongoing interest in the success of Realogy. Our senior management team is highly confident of Apollo's commitment to Realogy. If there is any question as to Apollo's overall financial strength, one need only look to Apollo's success in raising approximately $15 billion in capital last month for its newest investment fund.
As to the future of the industry, we are encouraged that Congress and the White House appreciate the importance of stimulating housing. We have actively engaged in lobbying the House of Representatives, the Senate and the Treasury Department on this critical aspect of our economy. In due course, we believe the government will act to provide the proper stimulus for our industry.
We look forward to the recovery in housing that we all know is inevitable. Thank you in advance for your hard work, patience and commitment to Coldwell Banker.
Sincerely,
Alex Perriello President & CEO Realogy Franchise Group
If you are ready to be in a world all your own, this cedar and stone cabin is what you have been waiting for. Very well maintained cabin on beautiful Ripshin Mountain in the ever popular Aska adventure area. Nature completely surrounds this cabin for total privacy and relaxation. Literally minutes to USFS, Toccoa River rafting, Toccoa River Restaurant, Lake Blue Ridge and historic downtown Blue Ridge. Tucked inside a friendly community of similar homes. Make a short drive to the top of the mountain (or walk) for an awesome view of Lake Blue Ridge. So many recreational amenities (fishing, rafting, boating, shopping and dining) literally minutes away. Hiking just steps from your own back door or simply relax in the bubbly hot tub and watch for deer, they could be along at any moment. Very wooded and mountain view.Â
CEDAR AND STONE MAKE THIS A GREAT HOME!
180 Greenridge Road, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 View Map
Very well maintained, fully furnished Cedar/Stone cabin in the beautiful Aska Adventure Area on Ripshin Mountain, under 5 miles to downtown Blue Ridge, 2BR/2BA, full finished basement w/wet bar, bedroom and bath, walkout to patio and hot tub right on nature's doorstep, 2 covered porches, covered patio, fireplace w/gas logs. Very close to USFS,Toccoa River rafting,Toccoa River Restaurant & Lake Blue Ridge. Very private getaway! Move-in ready.
Details
Asking Price:
220,000
MLS:
111111
Lot Size:
2.31
Bedrooms:
2
Bathrooms:
2
# of Floors:
2
Subdivision:
Greenridge
Year Built:
2000
Contact Info
Donna Yates Georgia Realtor
Main 800-307-0777 x252 Cell 706-633-0644 Dir 706-633-0644 Email | Website
A brief history of the recently renovated, old historic downtown building:
Built in 1895, Once was the L&N Train lines, a Pharmacy, a Doctor's Office, an Attorney's Office, a Bank and a telephone company. The 3rd floor was removed in the 1950s due to structural defects. Now, the top floor has a wonderful deck and lounge area with a view of downtown Blue Ridge overlooking the park and Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
Come see this very nice planned lakeside community, gated, paved roads, large lots for privacy, few homes overall help preserve the integrity of the community, residents enjoy great gatherings with friends and family for picnics, fishing, and boating at the community lake, covered pavillion for great cookouts, grounds very neat and well maintained, tranquil, natural setting, paved roads, stocked lake, all lots have lake access and very easy, short walk to lake. 
Schools
This beautiful, turnkey log cabin is exactly what people come to the North Georgia Mountains for! Mingle with the clouds during the day, dance with the stars at night rivaled only with stunning sunsets for an experience you won't forget or want to leave!
Don't Miss It, Visit Soon!
Unparalleled Lifestyle in the North Georgia Mountains!
Make a great investment in the Mountains!
Beautiful Appointments, Great Price Point!
Endless Retail Possibilities! 
How long has your home been on the market? Three months, six months, it's not surprising if it's been on the market even longer but it is time to take a very serious and hard look at what it is going to take to get your property sold. Perhaps, you've reduced the price a couple of times and you're asking yourself, "how much lower?" It is a buyer's market afterall, and therefore, they do have an advantage but that should not mean you have to accept an unreasonable and unrealistic offer. Be prepared for a buyer who might very well present a very low offer, even as much as 10% or more below the listing price. 
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