For the past 3 years I have lived in the Beautiful Mountain Town of Blue Ridge, Ga.  My wife and I after living in SW Florida for 18 year needed the change in pace a change fromthe heat of the hot humid summers and traffic everywhere.   We longed for the country life in the Mountains.  My wife and I having  licenses in 4 states chose Ga since it was right in the middle of those Four.   I really must say after living the real estate crash of the Florida Market,  Blue Ridge has be a Blessing.   Our market here maintained fairly well while all other markets spiraled down and down.  Maybe it is the Small town charm?   The Beautiful Mountain Properties?  The pristine Lakes, Rivers and Streams that accent this part of the Country,  or Maybe its the totally awesome weather during all parts of the year.  Its not to hot,  not to cold,  not a lot of snow or ice, and little or no natural disasters other than a skunk attack or a visit from the infamous "White Tail Gang"  I have spoke about in previous blogs.   Sometimes I wonder why more people do not find our little town,  after all it was voted top 5 places to Vacation in the USA.   With low taxes reasonably priced homes and Small Town Charm it is totally one of the greatest Retirement or Investments areas to be found.  With a slowing market there are some really good buys out there, but Our industry reports are concluding that our housing inventory is quickly dipping to all time low and stablizing our market.    So next time you are thinking about buying a retirement home or just a vacation, try our town of Blue Ridge, GA!  For more information, check out our website at www.MountainInvestments.net.

 

 

Well folks ,

 

Is the market breaking in your area,  cause it sure looks like it is heating up here in the beautiful Georgia Mountains.  We have had Investors from all over checking out the steals and deals here in Blue Ridge.  One of my clients is considering a large acre property for and awesome hotel and restaurant,  and boy are the numbers really working well.   The steals and deals are out there.  My secret is to be understanding with the sellers, but bring out the realities of the market conditions and be able to explain the numbers on the cost of holding the property till the slump is over.  A savvy investor or investment group already have there numbers in mind.  Its the creative part of negotiating that works every time.

According to the Fannin Sentinel Newspaper - Friday, Dec 14, 2007 Edition, the State Ethics Commission is investigating the funding of the Vote No Group involved in the recent alcohol referendum election on November 6, 2007.  They have contacted the Fannin Sentinel for copies of advertising submitted to their paper. 

The Sentinel spoke to the Ethics Commission media contact, Rick Thompson, who verified that due to the number of complaints they received from Fannin County residents coming into their office, the matter has warranted enough attention to conduct an investigation.  The SEC will conduct a routine investigation to determine if the complaints are valid concerning the non-profit organizations activities leading up to the casting of votes on the referendum.  The investigation will be on the SEC agenda of the January 24, 2008 and will determine the course of further action.  This SEC meeting is open to the public.

According to the Sentinel, the investigation centers on the non-profit, religious organizations that participated in posting "Vote No" yard signs, display advertising, billboards and other forms of communication establishing a position to influence voters to cast a vote on the referendum.  It has become apparent the funding for "Vote No" signage and communications is at the crux of the matter.

The results of this investigation could truly shed a different light on the election results here in Fannin County.  I know it will stir up both sides again.  However, due to the fact that the election was so close, how do you, the public, feel about this?  I am interested to hear your opinions! 

 

Natures Estates Resort & Spa at Paris Mountain WOW !    Have you or your clients ever wanted a second homebut only have 2 to 4 weeks vacation time to use your new home  Well here it is .  The perfect opportunity is now here.  See this rewarding opportunity for Fractional deeded ownership and choose one of the spectacular Million dollar Plus Lodges for less than $275,000.00 and some units under $200,000.00 The amenities are many, and the bonus options are unbelievable.  Currently under construction with foundations going in as you read this We are now taking refundable reservations for as little as $1500.00.  Fell free to browse the website and contact me for more information Bill Vernay  Blue Ridge Mountain Investment Specialists 706-851-5821  for information, reservations and floor-plans. www.naturesestates.com or www.mountaininvestments.net

 

Just to add something new to the beautiful skys in the Blue Ridge Mountains,  Bill Vernay and his father introduced a strain of white dove to the area .  These fantastic birds in the homing pigeon family are pure white and are the same type of bird used by the Pope in all Vatican presentaions.  The birds are used in weddings, funerals and grand events and symbolize  purity, hope, and love. 

Feel free to contact me  for more info.

 Bill

 

Well, we were attacked at home last night!  It was a quiet evening at home.  They arrived silently before dawn..sneeking right up to my front door!  My 3 dogs never heard them..they slept right through the attack!  It was the White Tail Gang of Raccoon Ridge.  It is a small gang..only 3 members, but it is amazing how much damage they could do in one evening.  It started in my driveway.  The trail of destruction included a peach tree, an apple tree, a rose bush and all my lilly plants.  They then moved on to my planter next to my front door, where they ate all the oriental lillies and anything that resembled food to them. 

Of course I am talking about the neighborhood deer!  We love to watch them, just like everyone else, but being pretty new to mountain life, we didn't know that some plants were like ice cream to the deer!  None of the things they sell in the store helps to stop them..we have tried sprays, repellant sticks that you put in the ground, even human hair, like some of the locals told us....nothing worked.  We now have decided to look up every plant that we buy in the future to determine if they are deer resistant! 

So just a note to all of the new residents of Blue Ridge, GA, beware of this gang!  Be careful when you choose your landscaping!  Or keep up a "food allowance" for your own "Neighborhood Gang"!

This past weekend my wife and I went to Wolf Creek Vineyards for Mother's Day brunch.  We had a great time!  As Realtors, it is sometimes necessary to get away from work for a day and check out the area attractions!  The property was beautiful, the buffet was magnificent with ham, roast beef, souffles, trout, salmon, shrimp bisque, etc.  We also had a bottle of their newest wine release.  If you are in the area of Dahlonega, check out some of these wonderful wineries, such as Stone Mountain Vineyards and Frogtown Winery...you won't be disappointed!  Enjoy a wine tasting and a tour of the winery! 

Check out the website for Geordie Romer, a real estate expert from the Washington State area!  Geordie has a lot of useful information on his site such as free reports,  and information about the local school districts in the Washington area.  If you are considering a move to this wonderful area, please consider Geordie Romer..and take a look at this website!

Hi Everyone,

I have a fellow realtor in the Central Oregon area with a website worth checking out! It's www.centraloregonbuzz.com.   I have never realized just how beautiful this area of the country is!  You will find a lot of great information at your fingertips!  You can search her MLS Listings , or her featured listings.  There is more specific area information for places like Sunriver, and Caldera Springs.  I look forward to traveling West very soon and would personally like to see this beautiful area of the country!

Check out the website of Karen George, of National Wholesale Mortgage.  Karen prides herself on working with her clients to meet their individual needs.  She can handle home mortgage loans in Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming or Utah!  Karen is also a member of the Better Business Bureau.  Karen also gives back to the community through her work with Breast Cancer Research..she will donate $200 to this cause with every loan she funds!   Many will find her information about reverse mortgages extremely helpful..there is also information on her site about Living Trusts which is very important in for it's tax benefits and inheretance banefits.  Anyone looking for a home mortgage or looking to refinance their property would do well to visit this site and see all that Karen has to offer!