Your North Georgia Realtor Blog

Fairy Crossses found in Fannin county

Christy Reece (Century 21 Professional Realty) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 12:58:13 -0700

The tale of our Fairy Crosses is one of the most tangible myths or legends in Fannin County, Georgia. A very rare unique shaped stone formed naturally found at just a few locations in the United States. They are referred to as crosses due to their shape.

There are two completely different legends explaining the existence of these fairy crosses. One states that the fairy crosses are the tears of the Cherokee Indians, who were driven out of their homeland during the "Trail of Tears".

The other tale stems from an older legend concerning an ancient race of mountain fairies. A legend that goes back further than the Cherokee Indians. This second tale tells of a gathering of little people known as Yunwi Tsunsdi. These fairies gathered at their favorite meeting place for dancing and gaiety, only to then find out that the great creator had died on the cross. So saddend by the loss of one so great, the fairies cried. As they wept, their tears fell to the ground and were crystallized into what we know as "fairy crosses".

Legends of "fairy crosses" have came down through history from the first meeting of John Smith and Pocahontas, which states that the Indian Princess gave John Smith a good luck charm necklace made out of a "fairy cross". For many years, people have used fairy stones as good luck charms, believing that they protect the wearer against witchcraft, sickness, accidents, and disaster. President Theodore Roosevelt carried an amulet made from a "fairy cross".

In spite of the legends and superstitions that surround fairy crosses, these unique, cross-shaped stones do have a scientific explanation. Ferry crosses were created under great pressure and high temperature some 60 to 500 million years ago, either formed from within the earth or arriving on a meteorite. And are composed of staurolite, a combination of silica, iron, and aluminum. Together, these minerals often crystallize in twin form and appear on the stones in a cross like structure. They are most commonly shaped like St. Andrew's and Roman crosses and no two stones are alike.

Established Rental Cabins for sale

Christy Reece (Century 21 Professional Realty) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:52:48 -0700

North Georgia Waterfalls

Christy Reece (Century 21 Professional Realty) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:39:38 -0700

North Georgia Waterfalls

Fall Branch Falls - A fine double waterfall on the Benton MacKaye Trail best seen after a rainfall. Hike the Benton MacKaye Trail for just over 2/10ths of a mile to a side trail that leads about 200' to an observation deck at the base of the falls.

From Blue Ridge follow old US 76 to Aska Road & turn south and go approximately 8.2 miles to the intersection with Stanley Creek Road, entering from the right. Turn right onto Stanley Creek Road and go 3.2 miles to a small parking area just beyond an interesting farm owned by longtime Forest Service fire warden Garfield Stanley. Cross a wooden bridge over Fall Branch and park on the right. Hike up the hill on the Benton MacKaye Trail to double falls on the right. There is a small picnic and/or camping spot 30 yards above the waterfall.

Jacks River Falls - The most scenic single feature in the Cohutta Wilderness and the most frequently visited area despite the 4.6 mile hike to the falls. Its beauty, power, and great swimming area draw a lot of visitors. The falls is series of a couple of small waterfalls, one large waterfall, and some cascades that are perfect for swimming.

The most scenic single feature in the Cohutta Wilderness and the most frequently visited area despite the 4.6 mile hike to the falls. Its beauty, power, and great swimming area draw a lot of visitors. The falls is series of a couple of small waterfalls, one large waterfall, and some cascades that are perfect for swimming. Descending in stages the surging water piles up against boulders and rock walls, carving swirl holes in the bedrock. Well worth the hike Jacks River Falls is in a rugged setting of exposed rock flanked by hemlock and white pines.

Directions from Southern Trail Head from Blue Ridge, GA
From the intersection of US 76 / I 515 and GA 5 just north of Blue Ridge, travel north 7 miles on GA 5 to Old Highway 2 and turn left. At 6.9 miles are Fightingtown Creek and McKinney Crossing. At 9 miles the pavement ends. At 10.5 miles, after a long climb up the mountain, look for the sign "Cohutta Wildlife Management Area, Watson Gap." At Watson Gap turn right on FS 22 and travel 3.6 miles to Dally Gap and Jacks River trail head.

Directions from Southern Trail Head from Chatsworth, GA
From Chatsworth take US 411 north 13.2 miles to Cisco community and intersection with Old Highway 2 (also known as FS 16). At .7 mile pass County Road 169 on the right. The pavement ends at 1 mile. Take the right fork at the Y intersection at 1.6 miles. (County Road 210 bears left.) At 3.2 miles, FS 17 comes in from the right, FS 16 goes left. Follow FS 16 just across the Tennessee state line to the northwestern trail head of the Jacks River Trail.

***Some roads are closed depending on weather conditions, so it is recommended that one call the Cohutta Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service at (706) 695-6737 in advance of a trip to check road conditions.

Long Creek Falls is located near the Appalachian Trail one mile north of the Three Forks area. Picturesque falls and trail requires a 20- to 30-minute walk in each direction. It is a popular camping spot with a millstone serving as a fire ring.

Follow the Appalachian Trail 1 mile north to a short side trail to Long Creek Falls. The trail is level for the first 750' then turns uphill and descends back to creek level. At the half mile point you should cross a wet weather branch. At 7/10ths of a mile you should cross another small branch. Next, the trail goes up and over the ridge line then descends to cross a third branch. In another 1/10th of a mile, after ascending steeply, look for the path to the falls on the left. Take this path for 300' to the base of the falls. Just above the falls is a wooden bridge across Long Creek which is the beginning of the Duncan Ridge trail and the part of the Benton McKaye Trail where it leaves the Appalachian Trail.

The trail has an assortment of blazes designating three major hiking trails: the Appalachian (white vertical), the Duncan Ridge National Recreational Trail (blue vertical), and the Benton MacKaye Trail (white diamond). The distance to the falls is 1.1 miles, ascending gradually along the way. A side trail to the falls is indicated with vertical blue blazes

Driving Directions from Blue Ridge follow old US 76 to Aska Road across from Harmony Church. Turn south onto Aska Rd. and go 13.8 miles to the end of the road. Turn right on Newport Road, and go 4.3 miles to the end of the road. Turn left, cross bridge over Noontootla Creek, continue on gravel road. Pass a cemetery and come to an intersection .6 mile from the bridge. Turn hard right on FS 58 and go southeast into the forest along this road 6.6 miles to Three Forks. Hike to the northwest up Long Creek to the falls.

Little Rock Creek Falls - There is a series of small falls just before reaching the main one. Due to storm damage, the walk is difficult on a footpath leading along the left side of the creek and going only part of the way to the falls. If you choose to go farther than this BEWARE because of the dangerous, slippery rocks in the area.

Driving Directions from Blue Ridge follow old US 76 east / I 515 around 5 miles to the intersection with GA 60 South at Lakewood Junction. Continue south on GA 60, 11.3 miles through the small town of Morganton. There is an old but still-operational mill on the northeast side of the highway. A commercial campground is also located on this site. After crossing Skeenah Creek, continue south on GA 60 another 3.1 miles to the intersection with FS 69, Fish Hatchery Road, on the right. Turn onto this road and go about 3 miles to where the road crosses Little Rock Creek. There is a bridge and a small pull-out area here. Sea Creek Falls - Located in the Cooper Creek Scenic Area, Sea Creek Falls are an easy walk of less than 0.1 miles. Unfortunately, the drive can be difficult. The first, or upper, falls is a series of steep cascades ending in a brief drop. The second falls is also a series of steep cascades. When the water flow is heavy either in late winter or spring or after a summer rain, these are a remarkable sight.

Driving Directions from Blue Ridge: @ I 515 Intersection take Highway 60 south (toward Morganton). At Cooper Creek Store turn left on Cooper Creek Road (this road is also called Mulky Gap Road). After 3.3 miles the road makes a dramatic turn back on itself and FS 264 comes off to the left. This road is rough and may not be passable in anything but a four wheel drive vehicle. Travel .3 miles to a campground, park and walk .1 miles further up the creek.

What's Your Green IQ?

Christy Reece (Century 21 Professional Realty) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:37:51 -0700

Perhaps one of the most popular goals for many companies and households today is to "Go Green." But what does "green" exactly mean?

In the past, being friendly to the environment merely meant recycling and carpooling. Now, however, with heightened concerns about global warming, the desire to be "green" (or safe for the environment) has generated terminology all its own. Check out these questions below to test your eco-savvy.

Q. What is the difference between greywater and blackwater?

A. Greywater is waste water from sinks and showers. It can be stored and used again to water lawns. Blackwater, on the other hand, comes from toilets and must routed to a sewer.

Q. When constructing a home, which would be more green, to use high-VOCs products or low-VOCs?

A. VOCs stands for volatile organic compounds, usually taking the form of formaldehyde gas. Traditional home-building involves several products made with VOCs, such as plywood, particle board and varnish. In contrast, modern green construction incorporates low-VOC products, which helps improve air quality.

Q. Is a carbon footprint usually expressed in pounds, tons, or megatons?

A. A carbon footprint (the total amount of carbon dioxide a person or business emits) is typically measured in equivalent tons. Of course, based its total emissions, a company may have to go on a "carbon diet" to meet newer, more rigid standards.

Here in the North Georgia Mountains, I see more and more builders striving to produce environment-friendly homes. Likewise, as a Realtor, I work to stay informed and ready to help customers find the green home of their dreams.

All night bear buffet?

Christy Reece (Century 21 Professional Realty) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:03:09 -0700

Dream home in the Blue Ridge Mountains or an all night Bear buffet??

This past year has been filled with excitement in my neighborhood. It seems that black bears have laid claim to the area as well. While I've lived here for 34 years, I've never experienced any problems until I moved into my current home which is located in a very mountainous community. It's not uncommon to have muddy bear foot prints along my porches and decks. Just last week I awoke to a faint crunching sound. Later that morning I found a chewed up cooler that had been left outside overnight, and a ripped up hot tub cover. Apparently the cat is not the only thing curiosity is going to get!

A nearby construction site porta potty took the brunt of the bear's frustration as well. Why would a bear want inside a porta potty?? And then of course my neighbors bird feeder that the bears climb a 16 ft. post up to his porch to tear down.

Of course, I'm not the only person in the North Georgia Mountains to encounter a black bear. In fact, just a few weeks ago, the US Forest Service closed a portion of the Appalachian Trail in North Georgia because hikers repeatedly reported problems there with a particularly savvy black bear.

Though these hikers were suspending their food in packs high above ground and away from tree trunks, this determined bear chewed through ropes to make their packs fall to the ground. This problem bear also refused to be frightened away by hikers' loud yells and violent motions. So USFS officials closed this portion of the trail, hoping that with no food packs available for a few weeks, the hungry bear would search for food elsewhere.

Unfortunately, early spring is prime time in the North Georgia Mountains for black bears to approach human settlements. With few plants growing foliage, the bears' natural habitat offers little to eat. But, while helping supplement a bear's diet might seem humane, studies show that bears who do not consume human food or garbage actually live longer than those who do.

Moreover, bears who frequent garbage cans, bird-feeders, or in my case, porta potties, often become intolerable nuisances. Though a well-meaning family might simply want to feed the bear until more natural food becomes available, the bear will likely stay near a home as long as it thinks it might find an easy food source there. And during its stay, the 300-500 pound bear can cause substantial property damage, not to mention, pose a threat to the entire neighborhood.

So North Georgia Mountain residents should do what's best for both themselves and any visiting black bears. They should:

•· Take down bird-feeders

•· Clean up any leftover outdoor pet food

•· Store garbage inside garages

Bears are a beautiful part of the North Georgia Mountains. These precautions will help keep black bears in their forest homes and convey that your North Georgia Mountain dream home is not their all-night buffet!

March Sales Indicating the Price is Right?!

Christy Reece (Century 21 Professional Realty) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:21:58 -0700

March Sales Indicating the Price is Right!

Many real estate optimists may have prematurely proclaimed, "The North Georgia Mountain's market is reviving" at the end of last year. Sales here remained slow, and many sellers learned to ignore their agents' seemingly false assurance that "things will get better." However, with the figures from March sales calculated (from the Northeast GA MLS), we now have the numbers to prove that the market in the North Georgia Mountains is indeed on the rise.

March Market Snap Shot

Category	Number Sold
Homes	25
Large Acreage Tracts	2
Lots	6
Foreclosures	3

While these numbers do seem rather modest, when compared to January 2009's stats, we see a 27% increase in sales. Moreover, only 12% of these sales were foreclosures, which seems to indicate increased interest in fair market properties.

Of course, price is still playing a big role in what properties are moving. Below is a break down of the sales prices of these homes:

Price Range	Number of Homes Sold
$0 - $100,000	2
$100,000 - $199,999	12
$200,000 - $299,999	7
$300,000-$399,999	4
$400,000 - Above	0

Is March's increase in sales the 1^st sign of the upward turn? Stay tuned, with fingers crossed, for April's numbers!

Time to plant that Vegetable Garden!

Christy Reece (Century 21 Professional Realty) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:15:41 -0700

Going green. Living organically. Back to basics. Whatever you choose to call it, the definition is the same: more and more people are trying to incorporate natural, Earth-friendly routines into their daily lives. And as the ecomomy continues to tank the percentage of Americans planting vegetable gardens continues to rise.

Growing up in the country, the beautiful North GA Mtns., I was raised on bountiful vegetable gardens every year. I have wonderful Nostalgic memories of my parents teaching me the do's and don'ts of planting and working those gardens. Barefoot and completely muddy, I didn't mind gardening as a child. My parents successfully passed on that chore as fun time! Not so happy now to do the back breaking work, but what I am is very thankful for the knowledge of gardening my parents passed on to me.

The National Gardening Association predicts a 40 percent increase in the number of homes growing vegetable gardens in 2009 in comparison with two years ago. Seed company W. Atlee Burpee expects a 25 percent increase in sales, says USA Today.

Even the 1st Lady is following the trend: Michelle Obama will begun digging up a patch of the South Lawn last mongh to plant a vegetable garden, the first at the White House since Eleanor Roosevelt's victory garden in World War II. She reports there will be no beets - the president does not like them - but arugula will make the cut.

While the organic garden will provide food for the first family's meals and formal dinners, its most important role, Mrs. Obama said, will be to educate children about healthful, locally grown fruit and vegetables at a time when obesity and diabetes have become a national concern. "My hope," the first lady said in an interview in her East Wing office, "is that through children, they will begin to educate their families and that will, in turn, begin to educate our communities."

For me it's more of the pleasure of seeing something you've grown make it to the dinner table! Thanks mom and dad!

Is a Short Sale an option?

Christy Reece (Century 21 Professional Realty) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:40:20 -0700

Upside down in your home?

Does the current economy have you caught between a rock and a hard place? If you owe more than the current value of your home, it may be possible to negotiate a lower payoff amount with your lender in order to get your home to a price range where it will sell in this market. Do you meet any of these qualifications for a short sale?

•· Is your mortgage balance greater than the market value of your home?

•· Are you behind on your mortgage, facing default, or foreclosure?

•· Are you in financial hardship of any kind?

•· Are recently divorced, have loss of job/income, illness, have a death in the family, increased bills or expenses?

•· Do you own a home in need of major repairs?

•· Or have had a rate increase or an adjustable rate mtg?

Currently, if you are an owner occupant of a property, the tax code may allow you to avoid paying taxes on the Short Sale shortfall.

Also the Short Sale option will have much less negative effect on your credit than a foreclosure would. Know your options!

It's imperative that you know all your options before walking away from a home. Make sure you contact an experienced short sale specialist to explore all options.

Restaurants in Blue Ridge

Christy Reece (Century 21 Professional Realty) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:50:27 -0700

Angelina's Italian Gourmet Market & Delicatessen
   Blue Ridge, GA
Arby's
   Blue Ridge, GA
Blackberry Ridge Eatery, LLC
   Blue Ridge, GA
Blue Jeans Pizza & Pasta Factory
   Blue Ridge, GA
Blue Ridge Mountain Bar-B-Q
   Blue Ridge, GA
Brother's Restaurant
   Murphy, NC
Burger King
   Blue Ridge, GA
Checkers
   Blue Ridge, GA
Circle J Family Steakhouse
   Blue Ridge, GA
Cucina Rustica Restaurant
   Morganton, GA
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
   Blue Ridge, GA
Danielle's Great Eats Deli
   Blue Ridge, GA
El Rio Mexican Restaurant
   Copperhill, TN
Good Fellas' Restaurant
   Blue Ridge, GA
Indigo Hills Market & Catering Co.
   Blue Ridge, GA
L & L Beanery Bakery Cafe
   Blue Ridge, GA
Mercier Orchards
   Blue Ridge, GA
Monte Alban Mexican Restaurant
   Blue Ridge, GA
Mountain View Orchards & Cider House Cafe
   McCaysville, GA
Repaz on Main
   Blue Ridge, GA
Royal Waffle King
   Blue Ridge, GA
Serenity Garden Cafe
   Blue Ridge, GA
Subway
   Blue Ridge, GA
Sue's Cafeteria & Ice Cream Parlor
   Blue Ridge, GA
The Village Restaurant
   Blue Ridge, GA
Toccoa Riverside Restaurant
   Blue Ridge, GA
Toccoa Wilderness Outpost
   Blue Ridge, GA
Victorian House Restaurant
   Blue Ridge, GA
Wendys
   Blue Ridge, GA
Zaxby's
   Blue Ridge, GA

Restaurants in Blue Ridge serving beer & wine??

Christy Reece (Century 21 Professional Realty) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:45:50 -0700

You can now order beer and wine in a number of local restaurants here in Blue Ridge. Pouring licenses have been granted to a number of establishments outside the city limits of Blue Ridge! Yes I said outside the city limits. It seems that the county commissioners within the city are still in disagreement regarding this controversial subject. But, with a new commissioner having been voted in last week, the city may have the same privileges as the county as soon as tonight. A special meeting has been called to address this subject and vote, yet again. Stay tuned as you may be able to have that glass of wine with your steak in the city limits too!

St. Patrick's Day - Fun Facts and Myths

Christy Reece (Century 21 Professional Realty) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:16:59 -0700

St. Patrick Day: Fun Facts and Myths

On March 17^th, everyone knows they should wear green. But did you know that in ancient Ireland, green was not the color associated with St. Patrick?

It was actually blue. In fact, a color deemed St. Patrick's blue can even be found on some ancient Irish flags. No one can deny though, that green is definitely the color of this festive holiday. Every year, people don their green sparkly derbies, wave their green shamrocks, and even guzzle green beer on St. Patrick's Day.

And though we usually think of Irish settlements in New York, Savannah, or other coastal towns, actually many Irish immigrants settled right here in the North Georgia Mountains. In fact, historians usually refer to this group of Irish settlers as Scotch-Irish. Though that name seems to indicate a blend of Scotch and Irish ancestry, this group was actually just Irish protest immigrants who settled in America in the 1700s. Because they found the coastal towns too crowded, the Scotch-Irish (mostly Presbyterians) moved further inland to the mountains, including the mountains of North Georgia and Western North Carolina.

Of course, today this region isn't exactly known for Irish Presbyterians. So what happened?

Well, like all other groups of immigrants, the Scotch-Irish had to change because they encountered several problems in their new land. One of their biggest problems was the lack of college-educated clergy in the mountains where they had settled. In fact, to send a Scotch-Irish minister to college would have taken a great deal of time and money. Not only would someone have to pay the pricey tuition, but one would also have to travel several days to even reach the nearest college.

To meet the demand for clergy in their churches, many Scotch-Irish settlers invited less educated Baptist and Methodist ministers to lead their congregations. Thus, most modern Scotch-Irish descendants now identify themselves as Baptists or Methodists, the two dominant religions in the rural South.

So this St. Patrick's Day, if a freckled-faced Baptist with a southern drawl pulls you close and proclaims, "Kiss me. I'm Irish," then you can probably take him at his word!

Blue Ridge March Calandar of Events

Christy Reece (Century 21 Professional Realty) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 10:33:07 -0800

Events for March, 2009

	March 05, 2009	Winter Pickn'
		The Pickin Coup

	March 12, 2009	Winter Pickn'
		The Pickin Coup

From	March 13, 2009	Kid's Say the Darndest Things
To	March 15, 2009	Blue Ridge Community Theater

	March 19, 2009	Winter Pickn'
		The Pickin Coup

From	March 20, 2009	Kid's Say the Darndest Things
To	March 22, 2009	Blue Ridge Community Theater

	March 26, 2009	Winter Pickn'
		The Pickin Coup

	March 28, 2009	Blue Ridge Writers Conference
		North Georgia Technical College

The Blue Ridge Adventure Race

Christy Reece (Century 21 Professional Realty) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 10:12:16 -0800

The Adventure Race is Coming!

(link to http://adventureracega..com)

The city of Blue Ridge will host the twelfth annual Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race on April 4, 2009. And believe me, if you win a trophy in this race, then you certainly deserve it.

As its name indicates, The Adventure Race is not for mild competitors. In fact, the race continues regardless of weather conditions, which during early April in North Georgia could range from cold to rain to even snow. Furthermore, teams must compete in host of strenuous outdoor activities such as:

· Mountain biking

· Running

· Kayaking

· Canoeing

· Rappelling

· Orienteering

What's more, the teams also face several mystery challenges, and they do not know the course of the race until the night before. Who could sleep that night while mentally navigating the steep slopes of the Aska Adventure Area or paddling the rapid waters of the Toccoa River?

When they do awake (that is, if they did sleep at all), teams must be at the starting line early that next morning, usually between seven and eight o'clock. There, they set off on their 35 mile course, which will likely take them six to nine hours to complete. Imagine the aches, the scrapes, and the rushes of adrenaline as these competitors scramble to reach each check point and, eventually, the finish line.

In order to receive a trophy, the three-member teams must be co-ed (and made of steel). The finish line is always in Blue Ridge City Park, where racers, no doubt, collapse on the massage tables available to them. Meanwhile, we spectators congratulate these demi-gods and stuff ourselves with yummy concessions.

And as if our sincere adoration of them wasn't prize enough, the award-winners also receive one-of-a-kind trophies commissioned by local artists. For more info on the Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race, please visit http://adventureracega.com.

Is it time to buy a Mountain home??

Christy Reece (Century 21 Professional Realty) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 12:16:38 -0800

Are You Ready for a North Georgia Mountain Home?

If you've spent countless hours navigating realty websites and could wallpaper your dining room with real estate booklets, then chances are you are ready to buy that mountain home. The following checklist should help you find your answer.

•· Do you seek a home surrounded by magnificent mountain beauty? Truly, no area in Georgia boasts the pristine natural setting of the Appalachian foothills. Here, many residents wake up each day to phenomenal year round mountain views. Some can hear the soothing roar of the Toccoa River from their back porch. Still others enjoy sunsets on famed Lake Blue Ridge. Some even watch whitetails feeding at dusk in surrounding pastures. No doubt, in the serene North Georgia Mountains, you can experience nature at its most sublime.

•· Is proximity to your place of work or full time home important? Of course, everyone enjoys their personal privacy, but who wants a home that's hours from civilization? Luckily, travelers can access the North Georgia Mountains via several major interstates and highways. Blue Ridge is only a 90 minute drive from Atlanta. Major cities in Tennessee and North Carolina are also only a short drive away.

•· Do you enjoy time in the great outdoors? Whether you love fishing, hiking, water skiing, or mountain biking, the North Georgia Mountains offer an array of outdoor activities. While Lake Blue Ridge features boating, skiing, camping, and famed white bass fishing, the Toccoa River features canoeing, tubing, and fly-fishing. In the Aska Adventure Area, residents can bike or hike miles of trails, including the Benton-Mackaye trail and the Appalachian Trail. World-class whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River is only minutes away as well. No matter if you're a leisurely hiker or a perpetual thrill-seeker, you will never exhaust the outdoor opportunities of the North Georgia Mountains.

•· Does the idea of renting your vacation property out to help pay for the property sound good?

•· Have you been waiting for the prices to fall?

If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, then you should definitely consider a home in North Georgia now!

A simple phone call or email may be all you need to find the mountain home of your dreams. Please contact me at christyreece03@tds.net or 706-633-7862 to receive a list of homes fitting your specific criteria.

Missed Opportunities?

Christy Reece (Century 21 Professional Realty) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 12:10:41 -0800

Missed opportunities

In an unsure time with the media preaching doom and gloom Real Estate investments become a fearful subject for a lot of people. With property values falling and sellers bringing checks to closings just to move properties, my question is what are buyers waiting for. Is it fear that the media has instilled in them or is it the idea that the market has not "hit bottom" yet? These are questions that Realtors everywhere are asking in this shaky market.

As an agent that has been selling for over 11 years I cringe as buyer/clients of mine pass up deals that may only come along once in a life time. In my opinion NOW is the time to buy. We are seeing savvy buyers get deals of the century.

In a recent closing it was painful to watch as a seller handed over a $50,000 check to the attorney. This is happening more than one would think. Last ditch efforts of sellers to save their credit are creating great opportunities for buyers. This window of opportunity may be much smaller than buyers think. I am starting to see a trend of sellers deciding to take different routes by doing leases or putting their properties on rental programs.

Don't miss your window of opportunity for a deal of a lifetime! Call me for a list of area foreclosures and better yet, a list of properties that we call "fire sales"! 706-633-7862

Don't walk away from your home!

Christy Reece (Century 21 Professional Realty) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:21:58 -0800

Millions of homeowners owe more on their mortgage than what their homes are worth. In other words they are "upside-down". This situation occurred in many cases because of the rapid rise of home values in many areas followed by the real estate market crash that sent home values subsequently spiraling downward. Combine a declining market with the highest unemployment rate since 1992 and the foreclosure rate starts to get very scary.

Foreclosures are rising at alarming rates and frustrated home owners are just walking away never exploring their options. Most homeowners never really know their options or the consequences. More than ever now is a time for homeowners have all the facts before bailing, even those borrowers who feel as though they were taken for a ride by their lenders. Predatory lending ran rapid in the years leading up to this crisis fooling buyers into mortgages they couldn't afford.

Most distressed homeowners don't realize they have other options than foreclosure. It's too late to explore these options after they've given their home away. As a buyer it is imperative to be educated on what options are available as soon as possible.

There are many implications of a short sale or a foreclosure that most homeowners don't even realize. Know all your choices and all possible options. All options affect your credit and taxes different. Call me for a free consultation. Christy Reece Short Sale Specialist 706-633-7862

The Best Time to Buy in the North GA Mtns!

Christy Reece (Century 21 Professional Realty) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:59:21 -0800

There's never been a better-or smarter-time to purchase a getaway in the North Georgia Mountains.

Not only is our market here in Blue Ridge, Georgia already saturated with beautiful rustic homes, but now numerous foreclosures have joined the mix. Needless to say, competition to sell a home here in the mountains is fierce. And lucky buyers hold all the cards.

Of course, most real estate agents in North Georgia have competitively priced their fair market listings already, but now they are feeling even more heat from area foreclosures. Really this recent wave of foreclosures aids buyers like never before, for many of these foreclosures aren't the neglected money pits of the past. No, many of these foreclosures offer unbelievable-and unbeatable-bargains.

For example, this cozy new construction cabin offers three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and a location in a renowned river resort. Priced at just $184,900 and in excellent condition, it exceeds most of its competitors here in North Georgia when calculating bang for buck.

But perhaps you're simply not interested in foreclosures. That still doesn't mean that they can't help you get an outstanding deal on listed home in the North Georgia mountains. If you and your agent do some research, then knowing some foreclosure examples and their prices can help you negotiate a better price on your fair market dream home.

So, like always, perhaps the best way to ensure that you get a great deal on your mountain home is to work closely with a skillful agent. With someone knowledgeable looking out for your best interests, you'll no doubt be pleased with the price you pay for your ideal North Georgia getaway. Contact the Thomas & Reece Team to begin your search today!

Sorghum Syrup--Sweet Enough to Have Its Own GA Festival

Christy Reece (Century 21 Professional Realty) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:40:37 -0700

The annual Sorghum Festival held in Blairsville, Georgia each October always draws visitors from all over the country. But, not surprisingly, people unfamiliar with the festival may need to ask, "What is sorghum?"

Though the name may not be easily recognized, sorghum is sweet, dark syrup that has been made in Appalachian regions for many years. Of course, Blairsville residents claim that there is no sorghum comparable to that grown in North Georgia. And truly, this pioneer breakfast staple is at its best when served on hot homemade biscuits.

Now don't think that you'll visit this famous festival, buy your token jar of syrup, take it home, and have to bake your own biscuits. No, for among the famous Sorghum Festival concessions are southern style biscuits. And if you just can't get enough of this combination, there's even a "Biskit Eatin'" contest each Saturday and Sunday at noon. Other signature contests with rural flare include "Greased Pole Climbin'" and "Rock Throwin'."

Though these competitions may seem to poke fun at old-fashioned fun, this festival is far from a mockery of simpler times in rural Appalachia. Indeed, it is a celebration of this area's rich heritage. Since one of the first crops most early settlers planted was sorghum, the annual fall harvest of this sweet treat was truly a joyful time. That spirit of celebration still permeates this festival, Blairsville's modern day tribute to the early settlers, their admirable endurance, and their appreciation of the simple life.

This year's Sorghum Festival will be held in Meeks Park on October 11^th, 12^th, 18^th, and 19^th. For more festival information, visit this website: http://sorghum.blairsville.com/events.aspx, and for info on great North Georgia real estate, visit our own website, www.RealEstateGaMtns.com!

Beautiful Fall Color: What's Mother Nature's Secret Formula?

Christy Reece (Century 21 Professional Realty) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:54:34 -0700

Will the leaves in the North Georgia Mountains put on a brilliant color show this year or drift to the ground in drab browns and grays?

With October just a few weeks away, the anticipation of fall's signature beauty has many people in Blue Ridge, Georgia eager to see vivid crimson, orange, and gold leaves against a crisp blue sky. And that anticipation is only heightened by the mystery of those changing leaves. Even as adults who've taken our share of biology and chemistry, we still wonder what makes one fall more spectacular than those of past years'.

Here in the North Georgia Mountains, you'll hear various theories about fall color. Some will say that drought creates a more beautiful fall, while others will say that little rain causes leaves to die before their colors have peaked. Some will suggest that frost stimulates color changes; others argue that cool, not cold, weather is best.

So what is the truth about weather's effect on fall color? Most scientific sources will tell you that there's a bit of truth in all of these theories. A summer drought like we've experienced in Blue Ridge this year can cause leaves to fall prematurely. However, a dry summer combined with a wet September is probably the best combination for brilliant fall color. As far as the need for cold weather, leaves respond best when nights are cool (below 45 F), and days are warm and sunny. Really, these conditions show why our color in the North Georgia Mountains can be so breathtaking, for bright days and cool nights characterize our typical autumn weather.

Truly, fall is the ideal time to vacation in the Blue Ridge area. In fact, the Chattahoochee Forest Website will update you on the leaves so that you can catch them at their peak. Also, our own website showcases several homes with long-range views, which allow you to see layers of mountains ablaze in fall color. Check it out to find your perfect fall getaway!

Potential Buyers Stay Free?!

Christy Reece (Century 21 Professional Realty) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:49:22 -0700

Just a few weeks ago, customers approached us with an unusual request: Can we spend a night in this listing?

Well, of course our first response was, "Let us talk to the sellers and get their opinion." And, as you might imagine, these customers weren't asking for a night in a 2 BR bargain listing. No... they wanted to stay in a luxurious 5 BR cabin atop one of our area's highest mountain tops-with spectacular sunset views to boot.

Since this listing is a vacation home and our sellers were already considering placing it on a rental program, they were very agreeable to this idea. Really no other home could be more ideal for such a proposal; it's vacant and being sold fully furnished.

After great consideration, we all agreed to let these customers stay overnight. So other than being charged a small cleaning fee, these lucky buyers enjoyed one night of mountain luxury for free.

Though all went well with our overnight customers, they are still on the fence about purchasing this home. Has anyone else had buyers with such a request?

Golfing's Great in North GA!

Christy Reece (Century 21 Professional Realty) — Wed, 28 May 2008 13:41:31 -0700

Of golf Colman McCarthy said, ""Indeed, the highest pleasure of golf may be that on the fairways and far from all the pressures of commerce and rationality, we can feel immortal for a few hours." And there could be few better places to experience such serenity than here in the North Georgia Mountains, where courses offer a unique opportunity to enjoy your game while surrounded by picturesque mountain scenery.

Perhaps the most famed golf course near Blue Ridge, Georgia is Brasstown Valley Resort in Young Harris, just a 40 minute drive away. A course that actually meanders through wildlife preserves, Golf Digest has named Brasstown one of Georgia's top courses. Another great course near Blue Ridge is Butternut Creek Golf Course in Blairsville. This course, only 15 minutes away, offers 6536 yards of fairways and a 18 hole, par 73 course. Bur truly the greatest challenge of either of these courses may be to keep your eye on the ball instead of on the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains.

We also have two smaller courses near the Blue Ridge area: Whitepath Golf Club in Ellijay,GA and Copper Basin Golf Club in Ducktown,TN. Though these courses may not offer the challenge of Brasstown, they'll still satisfy your need to be out there on the green, working on your game. Breathing crisp mountain air, you'll find you mind refreshed and ready to shoot your best game ever, embodying the fairway immortal McCarthy knows is within every golfer.

For a list of properties in the scenic Blue Ridge area, please visit www.RealEstateGaMtns.com.

A Noah's Ark Story in the North GA Mtns?!

Christy Reece (Century 21 Professional Realty) — Tue, 13 May 2008 13:34:24 -0700

In school, I'd heard that several cultures had flood stories similar to that of Noah's ark, but I never knew that one was set in the North Georgia Mountains!

Of course, most of us remember from Sunday school how that Noah built an ark so that he and his family could survive God's great flood. Likewise, the Cherokee Indians believed that in the North Georgia Mountains there had once been a vast deluge with very few survivors. As in Noah's story, the only Cherokees who survived did so in a great canoe. When the storm was over, the canoe came to rest atop Enotah, a high mountain with a bare top. According to the Cherokee legend, these survivors not only lived through the great flood, but also continued to survive because they could farm atop this vacant, level mountain top until the waters subsided.

Today, Enotah is known as Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia. Located in Towns County, just a short drive from where I live in Fannin County, Brasstown Bald is an amazing to visit, and I am now even more intrigued by it knowing this special legend. Learn more about this special place yourself by clicking on the link below. More info on Brasstown Bald

Mountain High...Protecting Its Natural Beauty

Christy Reece (Century 21 Professional Realty) — Tue, 06 May 2008 11:23:08 -0700

Dream of building a luxurious cabin on a scenic mountain top? Before you buy property, be warned that building on unrestricted mountain land can sometimes be tricky. Also, without restrictions, you risk that the value of your purchased land could diminish because of future development nearby. So buying in an area where your investment and quality of living is protected should always be of top concern.

Welcome to Mountain High Subdivision in Fannin County Georgia-- where your property values are protected with restrictions, which will keep the area as picturesque as the day you purchased your property. This log home community is all about preserving nature and taking advantage of its unique multi-state views. Surrounded by the beauty of Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina, Mountain High's elegant log homes are located in a pristine mountain paradise. Here you're just minutes from USFS, Fannin County's many hiking and mountain biking trails. Also, a short drive away is the Ocoee River, famous for its white water rafting course and beautiful Lake Blue Ridge.

After you've exhausted yourself in the great outdoors, at Mountain High, you're close enough to town to enjoy a great meal in a unique restaurant. Whether you choose to zip over to downtown Blue Ridge or to Murphy, NC, you'll find a variety of places to eat and shop. After you fill up, you might take a short stroll to the park, visit the town's famed antique shops, or indulge in a sweet treat from a fudge or ice cream shop. Returning home, you can then relax and watch a magnificent mountain sunset from your own front porch. Truly, Mountain High offers the best of both outdoor life and charming small town atmosphere.

Of course, several mountain communities advertise such visions of outdoor splendor, but Mountain High delivers. And a new phase of the development is opening soon. This exciting time in the community's growth gives you the choice of purchasing an existing home or finding the perfect lot, then working closely with the developer to build your mountain dream home. For current Mountain High listings, please visit http://www.realestategamtns.com/.

Pristine 40-Acre Estate in Blue Ridge Mountains

Christy Reece (Century 21 Professional Realty) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:58:02 -0700

Click here to view a virtual tour of this amazing property!

Bring your horses and live on the estate of your dreams in Blue Ridge, GA! Gentle green pastures, winding creek, large pond, and mountain views all make this 40 acre property truly picturesque. With a 2BR/2BA home, complete guest residence, barn with electricity and water, and large workshop space, this farm is ideal for those who enjoy self-sufficiency and privacy, but still want a location convenient to town. $1,475,000

Contact Christy Reece @ 706-633-7862 or ChristyReece03@tds.net

Spring's Here--Let's Go Fishing!

Christy Reece (Century 21 Professional Realty) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:00:24 -0700

What better way to spend a spring day than out on pristine Lake Blue Ridge in the North Georgia Mountains? And now that warm weather is finally here to stay in Fannin County, the fish are biting and outdoors are beckoning you to don a tank top, pack a picnic, and allow the sun to melt away any left over winter blues. Nothing says spring is here like the smell of sun block as you prep for a weekend on the lake!

On Lake Blue Ridge, you'll find several places to fish. But before you unpack your gear and thread your line, you may want to plan first for the kind of fishing that most interests you most. Really, in the springtime, the most exciting fishing is for white bass at the head of the reservoir. But if you're more interested in cat fishing, then try near the dam or in the lakes' many coves. Of course, anywhere on Lake Blue Ridge you'll have luck catching blue gill, perch, or bass. This variety makes Lake Blue Ridge such a unique and fun place to fish.

But, at the end of the day, even if you never catch the first fish, that time hasn't been wasted. You spent your day away from weekend chores and chose a day of outdoor perfection instead of overtime pay. And Lake Blue Ridge will still be there, awaiting the next time you escape the daily grind to restore yourself in the North Georgia Mountains.

Don't miss your opportunity to be one of the few private property owners on this majestic lake! Lake Blue Ridge is approx. 70% U.S. Forest Service. Although this ownership ensures that the waters will stay pristine for years to come, it greatly limits the availability of private properties. So check out lake listings on http://www.realestategamtns.com/.

Other useful links: www.blueridgemountains.com/fishing-blue.ridge.html